Attacking – The Tool!
! ! Source:!Volleyball!Canada.!Photos!provided!by!FIVB!
During the hitting phase, the attackers can choose to hit around the block or hit at the block. The tool is a type of attack used to score by hitting
the ball off the block to an area where the defenders cannot reach.
The Tool
The tool consists in hitting a weaker part of
the block so the ball is deflected and
impossible to defend. Generally, the tool is
used down the line or towards the outside of
the court, as the weakest part of the block is
usually the outside hand. The tool can also be
used towards the inside of the court (the
inside blocker), however this attack must be
much more powerful to deflect past the cross-
court defender.
Pre-contact phase
•
The approach is the same as a normal attack. The critical element is for
the attacker to keep the ball in front of them as to see the ball and the
blockers at the moment of contact.
Contact phase
•
For the outside tool, contact made on the inside of the ball with the
thumb pointing up (when hitting from position 4). The attacker is aiming
at the outside hand of the outside blocker.
•
For the inside tool, contact is made on the outside of the ball with the
thumb down (when hitting from position 4). The attacker is aiming high at
the hands of the inside blocker, who may often be drifting and unstable.
Post-contact phase
•
The hand, wrist and arm follow through in the direction of the hit.
Generally, the shoulders will rotate in the direction of the tool after the
contact.
•
The attacker lands on both feet and gets ready for the next action in case
the ball is dug.
!
Tips for attackers on tooling the block
•Hit high into the block. If the ball is brought
down, it is likely to be blocked.
•Identify the weakest blocker. Hitting off the
biggest blocker often results in a block.
•Use the tip. You can tool the block on a tight set
by pushing the ball into the block and then
towards the outside of the court.
•Adjust the timing of your attack. By waiting a
fraction of a second before hitting the ball, the
blockers will be on their way down. The
blockers arms will be pulling back and the tool
becomes more successful.
•Have fun. Experiment by hitting different areas
of the block and you discover which methods
work best for you. You will greatly annoy the
blockers while doing so.
