A defensive system is designed to prevent the successful completion of the opponent's attack. The development of offensive options such as swing hitters, quick middle attacks, one-leg takeoffs and back row attacks has elicited new defensive approaches. Also, the reliance on players instinctively free-lancing within a broad general system also seems risky given the against-the-flow shots being generated by the more advanced teams. As the need to play multiple defenses increases, so does the need for a workable, efficient method of communicating about those defensive choices.

The Defensive Zone Grid

For purposes of referring to the areas to which defensive diggers are deployed and areas covered by the block. This defensive system divides the court into 7 zones, with each zone having a distinct numeric label. These defensive zones are numbered the same as the rotational serving order (except "0".) The dividing lines between zones are clearly marked for diagramming purposes only.

Blockers are positioned based upon the opponent's potential points of attack. Blocker starting positions are designated using the five net zones previously described in the offensive system.

Players must recognise the purpose intended in digging or blocking certain areas and strive to achieve that purpose without getting caught up in "who has responsibility for a particular zone." Every defensive player has to remember the number one rule for defense is NO BALL DROPS TO THE FLOOR."

Phases of Defense

Defensive positioning in volleyball occurs in three phases. Different coaches use varying titles to refer to these phases, but they are generally in agreement over the order of occurrence.

In the first phase, players assume "starting positions", "home", or "base" positions prior to the opponents' first contact of the ball. These starting positions serve two purposes:

1. as functional digging positions for attacks which do not allow time for adjustments to other positions, that is, setter dumps, over passes, and quick hits.
2. as convenient central positions which allow efficient movement to actual digging positions for higher sets.

Following the set, players move to "read positions" based on the team system being used to defend against the given set. In this second phase, teams will have separate read positions dictated for left-side, right-side, and second-tempo middle sets, as well as systems to defend against downballs and freeballs.

During the third phase, a player will make small adjustments based on the hitter's actions and her own blocker's positioning before assuming an "adjust position" just before the attacker contacts the ball.

Creating a Team's Defense

Players and coaches should realize that this coding system allows for the creation of numerous options which can be employed to stop the opponent's most notable tendencies.

Priorities, which should be considered in the formation of a defensive system, are:

1. Stopping the best shots of a particular hitter or groups of hitters.
2. Choosing the most effective role for the block (stop the attack or channel the ball to the best defenders.
3. Placing the best defenders where the most balls will go.
4. Placing each defender where she is at her best (close to point of attack, versus far; digging off speed or dips versus digging hard shots.)
5. Limiting travel distance between starting positions and read positions for each player within the system.
6. Minimizing setter penetration from the digging position to target position.
7. Facilitating effective transition offense from the assigned defensive positions.

There are several factors that should be considered as automatic triggers for changes in defensive deployment.

• The rotation of the setter from front to back row might influence starting positions
• The rotation of outside attackers may dictate different read positions against left side sets
• The rotation of middle attackers may call for different starting positions
• Specific sets or quick sets or attack combinations might cause changes in starting and read positions
• Known and anticipated opponent's strategies or tendencies such as going to off speed attacks or tips at crunch time might call for planned defensive variations.

In summary, this defensive numbering system was devised to allow coaches and players to communicate with each other during practice or a game without any misunderstandings.

Players and coaches must understand that systems do not dig balls, players do. A defensive system can get players in their correct zones of responsibility, but only great individual effort from within the team structure can prevent the other team from scoring. Every player must remember that playing the ball is more important than any number or letter. Players must have the intelligence to read the offensive play, react to the set, adjust to the hitter's approach and then dig the ball if it comes her way. Players must also realize that defensive choices need to be made and players must react spontaneously to what is happening on the court. Many times what should occur doesn't. The bottom line is "GET TO THE BALL! NO BALL DROPS TO THE FLOOR"

Defensive Principles

1. Defense is a learned attitude; a philosophy: We shall go for any ball. There will be no excuses for NOT pursuing any live ball. Even if the ball looks like it will go out-of-bounds, we will follC1N the ball.
2. Always play the ball in front of you.
3. Lean into the attack but don't rush it.
4. Every defense will be a perimeter defense.
5. Play "on help" (play position so that teammates are on the court side of you.)
6. Cross court defender plays facing opposite sideline.
7. When the hitter goes up, diggers get down.
8. Defense Sequence:
• STARTING position
• READ the developing play
• ADJUST position
• FINAL court position
• FINAL body position
• BALL is attacked
• RETRIEVAL or ball pursuit
9. All defenders must know second contact responsibility.
10. At least 2 blockers on a ball.
11. If the blocker in front of you is involved on the block, you cover tip.
12. Defender's job is to sacrifice self to save the ball under any conditions. 13. Off side blocker automatically covers tips to middle of court.
13. Backrow defenders establish court position by keying on the blocker's movements and adjust accordingly.