The Good News
Because roundnet is such a new sport, it's one that with just a few months of practice and learning from the right people you can get really good, really fast. The best thing to do is play, and play a lot. Hit up some pick up games, and we've got tons of tournaments here in Utah to really test out your new skills.
Beginners, fresh out of the box
So you just opened up your first spike set, and read through the basic instructions to play in the backyard. That’s where most of us started out, got hooked and wanted more; so you’re on the right track.
The best advice we can give is to just keep enjoying the game! You might not feel comfortable heading out to play with strangers at pick up just yet, so stick with your crew until you get the basics down – but work on the following most basic, but key points and you’ll be the best of your friends in no time:
- Always hit on 3. We know it’s tempting to hit on 1 or 2. The ball is right in front of you, the net may or may not be close to you, and maybe your new teammate stinks at hitting the ball and you don’t trust him/her. But, use all 3 hits! There are very few times that a hit on 2 will get you a point that hitting on 3 won’t.
- Practice setting. You have to set the ball well in order to set yourself up for a good spike. You want to set your teammate right over or close to the net. It might take a bit of practice to get the feel for the ball – it’s unlike any other sport’s ball, so just practice bouncing the ball to yourself or your teammate until you feel comfortable
- Hit hard! Spike that ball! Similar to hitting on 2, sometimes those tricky little drop shots might feel good when it works out, but your opponents will start to figure them out quickly and in the vast majority of cases, hitting the ball hard and out of reach is the better option.
Recreational Players
So you’re ready to take it up a notch, eh? Let’s get it! Realize that although it might seem nerve-wracking to go play pick-up or tournaments with new people, everyone had a first time and there’s a good reason there are so many regulars who keep coming back. Make sure you’ve downloaded the free Spikeball app which has all the pick-up games and tournaments happening around you.
- Do not forget what we learned in the backyard: hit on 3, good setting, and hit hard. There are things to keep getting better, but that’s no excuse to revert to your old ways.
- Hit the ball far, not high: As you play with others you will start to notice that it’s a little bit harder to receive serves and get defensive touches. This is your time to also step it up a bit and stop hitting the ball overhand, but hit the ball across the net, keeping it low. Just wait that extra second for the ball to get a couple feet lower before you swing and you’ll be golden.
- Pick-up, pick-up, pick-up! You can only get so good playing with your same group of friends. The best way to get better is to play more, and with different people. Learn from those better than you, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. If you are looking for advice from the players at your net, just let them know ahead of time and say, “hey if you have any pointers, please let me know.” That way they know they can give advice without fear sounding arrogant.
- Play in a tournament:
Don’t be afraid to hit up a tournament for your first time either! There are always multiple divisions for all skill levels so you'll only have to play against people near your skill level.
Intermediate Players
Now you’re cruising along, starting to become more of a regular at pick-ups and you’ve been to a couple tournaments. You’ve got the basics and now it’s just a quick grind to move to Advanced! If you haven’t played in a tournament yet, or just 1 or 2, it’s time to get on that path. Tournament experience is a real thing and is very different than just playing at pick-ups – plus it is way more fun to be actually be competing in an event.
This is where learning the correct ways to play is most important. If you are set on playing with the same style you did as a beginner, you will plateau. You might still win a lot of games in the Intermediate division, but if you start to see people passing you by that you used to beat handily, take some time to work on these things and you’ll get over that hump soon enough!
- Master 2-3 Serves: You probably have started to face a baby-cut serve from time to time, or possibly been the victim playing against a natural lefty (they’re the worst). Right now you just need 2-3 good serves (jam, cut, drop). It's better to master 2-3 consistent serves (with minimal double faulting) than have 3-5 mediocre ones.
- Offense is King: Your goal should be to never lose a point when the other team is serving. It should be an easy 1-2-3 put away.
- Setting is severely underrated. Setting is all about consistency and confidence. Get your fingers to know the ball intimately so they are ready to put just the right amount of touch on the ball whether you have a short, easy set or if you have to get some force behind it to give your teammate butter.
- Finishing needs to keep getting lower and lower until you are merely inches above the net. Stay on your toes and be ready to adjust your feet based on where the set comes in and keep it away from your opponents.
- Coaches: If you are looking for some hands on training, we have created the Utah Select Spike Club, coached by two of the best players in Utah. Or if you are more a DIY type of person, check out the YouTube channel, How to Roundnet, which has some great tips for serving, setting, and finishing!
Advanced Players
Your moving on up! You've been passing other players who haven't been grinding like you, but don't quit now, Elite qualification is within reach. You can do a lot of things on your own as you play, but if you really want to take a big leap, using one of our URA coaches will really help you climb.
- Serve Receive: The one thing that will get you blown out of a game is letting the other team ace you over and over. Learn to notice variations in your opponents movements that help you read the serve early. For those deep cuts, move your feet, don't just reach for the ball. And cut off their best serve to make them use a secondary serve that might not be as fast or consistent.
- Defensive Strategy: It's time to take advantage of those bad sets and high hits. Some teams you don't need to ace to get break points, find a good consistent serve and make them earn their points while you go play defense. There are multiple types of strategies to learn, don't be afraid to ask a top player for some advice at your next pick-up game.
- Improve your serves: Start adding another serve or two to your repertoire. Be mindful of disguising your serves so your opponent doesn't know what's coming. But, do not add serves just to lower your serve percentage. Stay consistent & don't double fault.
- Consistency:
You might be great 75% of the time, but that other 25% is killing you. Clean it up, learn how to make some saves when your teammate messes up, and earn points that you're not expected to.
Need more advice? Just ask and we're happy to help!
Roundnet Advice
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