Should You Teach 3 Hits OR Go For Easy Points?
One of the questions I hear the most from new coaches or coaches working with younger athletes is: Should we teach the three-hit strategy, or just go for easy points by getting the ball over the net as quickly as possible? It’s a great question, and it’s one that doesn’t always have a clear-cut answer.
I know, I know… most coaches will automatically say to teach the three-hit strategy (pass, then set, then hit), but I don’t think it’s really that clear-cut of an answer.
As a coach, you want to set your team up for success, but what does that mean when players are just starting to learn volleyball? Do you focus on fundamentals and long-term growth, or do you aim for quick points (and possibly wins) to boost confidence and excitement? Let’s break down the pros and cons of both approaches to help you decide which route to take.
GOING FOR “EASY” POINTS
PROS:
Players have fun when they score points
Scoring is fun—duh! When players see the ball hit the floor on the other side of the net, they get that little rush of excitement. And let’s be real, when they’re having fun, they’re going to be more motivated to come back to practice and play harder in matches.Fun equals excitement for practices and matches
The more fun your players are having, the more they’ll look forward to coming to practice, working hard, and showing up for games. It creates a snowball of excitement and, in general, makes the volleyball experience more positive.Parents love to see their child win
Winning is contagious—not just for the players but for the parents, too. When kids score points, their parents get into the game, cheering loudly from the sidelines, and who doesn’t love that extra boost of support?Sometimes, just getting the ball over keeps you in the game
Let’s face it, at the beginner level, sometimes the simplest strategy is the most effective. Just putting the ball back into play can keep your team in the game longer, and sometimes that’s all it takes to grab a win.Less technical knowledge is needed
If you’re a coach who’s just starting out or not entirely comfortable with teaching all the technical aspects of volleyball, focusing on getting the ball over quickly simplifies things. You can still help your players feel successful without diving into complex drills or techniques right away.Sometimes it’s all your team is capable of
It’s great, in theory, to plan on teaching your team to use all three contacts. But even keeping that first pass under control isn’t always a guarantee! Pushing your players to use all three hits when even ONE is a challenge can make volleyball not very fun. Keeping the ball in play is a definite pro here, even if it’s just using one contact!
CONS:
Players miss out on learning ball control
The downside of always going for the quick point is that your players miss out on developing their ball control. Passing, setting, and hitting all require different skills, and if you aren’t working on those things, your team will struggle to improve in those areas.Uncertainty after the first hit
When you don’t practice multiple contacts, players can get flustered if the ball doesn’t go over on the first try. Scrambles and confusion tend to follow because the players aren’t sure what to do next.Doesn’t prepare athletes for the next level
As your players move up in their volleyball journey, they’ll be expected to use multiple hits. Future coaches will want to see players who can handle three touches, so focusing only on getting the ball over won’t set your athletes up for long-term success.End-of-season struggle
Teams that rely on the quick-point strategy often start strong but tend to fade as the season progresses. Why? Because teams that spend time learning three hits and controlling the ball steadily improve, and they’ll start to outplay your team as their skill sets develop.Realization that the team is behind
By the end of the season, players and parents might notice that other teams are more advanced, which can lead to frustration. No one likes to feel like they’re behind, especially when they see their peers excelling.
TEACHING THREE HITS
PROS:
Players develop better ball control
Teaching your athletes to pass, set, and hit might be more challenging early on, but it pays off in the long run. They’ll learn how to control the ball and make smarter plays, which is crucial for higher levels of volleyball.Prepares athletes for future play
Mastering three hits sets your players up for success as they move on to more competitive volleyball. The fundamentals are everything, and if they can pass, set, and hit well, they’ll be ready to thrive on future teams.Improves teamwork and communication
Volleyball is a team sport through and through. When you teach three hits, you’re teaching players to communicate and trust each other. Each touch of the ball requires teamwork, and that’s a huge part of the game.Builds confidence in their skills
When players start to see the results of using all three contacts, their confidence skyrockets. They realize they can execute a pass, set up a teammate, or attack the ball with purpose, and that feels pretty amazing!Strong finish to the season
Although it may take a while for your team to see the benefits, the teams that focus on three hits often finish the season stronger than they started. Once they get comfortable controlling the ball, they’ll be able to compete at a higher level, especially against teams that rely on quick points.
CONS:
Frustration at first
Learning to pass, set, and hit isn’t easy. There will be mistakes, and players might feel discouraged when things don’t go right in the beginning. Patience is key here—both from you and your players. You’ll also need to provide plenty of encouragement and promises of the excitement that’s to come from playing “true” volleyball so your team will stick with you through the learning process.Parents might not get it
Parents, especially those new to volleyball, might not understand why your team isn’t winning as much at first. They’ll see other teams scoring easy points and wonder why you aren’t doing the same. Communication with parents is crucial, so they understand that you’re focusing on long-term growth.Wins can be harder to come by early in the season
Teams that practice three hits often lose more in the early part of the season while they’re learning the system. It can be tough, especially when other teams are taking home wins by just getting the ball over the net.Requires more technical knowledge
Teaching the three-hit strategy requires a deeper understanding of volleyball fundamentals. If you’re new to coaching or less familiar with the technical aspects, you will have to spend extra time learning the techniques yourself so you can teach them effectively.
WHAT'S THE BEST APPROACH FOR YOUR TEAM?
The decision really depends on your team's age, skill level, and your goals as a coach.
For younger teams or beginners, going for easy points might be a great way to build confidence, keep the game fun, and create a positive environment in the very beginning. Winning early on can keep kids excited about the game and coming back for more.
For more experienced players, or if you’re building towards long-term success, teaching the three-hit strategy is an absolute must. Sure, it might be harder at first, but the payoff is so worth it when your players learn to control the ball and communicate on the court.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s all about balance, really. You can start by focusing on getting the ball over the net for easy points to build excitement, but as your team develops, slowly incorporate the three-hit strategy to encourage better ball control and teamwork. Remember, every team is different, so it’s up to you to find the right approach that works for your athletes.
In the end, there’s definitely some nuance to your decision. However, I highly recommend teaching your team to strive for “pass-set-hit.” If not in the beginning of the season, start to introduce the concept later on. So yes, “easy points” are appealing (and can still be used throughout the season during opportune moments), but I believe it goes against the spirit of the sport to only teach quick points as a strategy.
Personally, the only time I think it would be appropriate to just focus on getting the ball over the net after one or two touches consistently is when you’re working with complete beginners on a rec team, and you have a very short season with limited practice time. There are ways to teach three hits without over-complicating the sport, even if it’s just pass-pass-pass until your players get more comfortable with other skills. It may seem intimidating, but I believe in you, Coach! You can do it!