Have you played a volleyball match where everything suddenly starts to jell for your team? The hitters are pounding the ball, the back row is digging every return, and the serves are near perfect. On the opposite side of the net, mass confusion exists. The opposing players are scrambling to get to every ball. There is a lack of communications among players and bad passing seems contagious. Their serves are out-of-bounds or in the net. Your team is pumped and excited, ready to take on any team. Your opponents show fear and dejection as if waiting for the match to be over. ONE thing is certain-MOMENTUM is playing a significant role in determining the flow of the game.

Momentum is unique to volleyball because of the emphasis on teamwork. NOTHING POSITIVE HAPPENS IN VOLLEYBALL WITHOUT AN ASSIST FROM A TEAMMATE. The idea of viewing volleyball as "bump, set, spike" is fundamentally accurate. A player has to receive a hard-driven ball, pass it accurately to another player who then sets the ball to a hitter who attacks the ball across the net. Add two players who are attempting to block the opponents attack and another player covering for tips or roll shots, then you have the possibility of all six players contributing to the task of getting the ball back across the net in three perfect contacts. The nature of the game lends itself to the emergence of momentum at some time during the interchange of volleys.

What causes this event called momentum which appears to have such an important effect on the outcome of the match? It is caused by a combination of factors including an increased flow of adrenaline, an inspired level of play, the right mood of the players, a certain natural competitiveness and sometimes even luck. How do you get momentum? No one really knows. What is important is learning how to keep momentum once you have it.

Momentum will occur more often when players are properly psyched and willing to give total effort. If everyone is committed to being the best they can be AT ALL TIMES, despite adverse circumstances, then momentum is more likely to happen spontaneously. Also, there are several conditions that run counter to the impetus of momentum which should be avoided. The challenge for players is to be aware of these conditions and to follow prescribed guidelines to ensure that momentum is not interrupted. The following points will prove helpful in accomplishing this goal.

DEAD TIME

This is probably the most significant interrupter of momentum. The 30-60 seconds needed to process a time-out usually hinders the tide of emotion needed to maintain momentum. The players need to keep the team together and emphasize continued total effort, minimizing the chance for a letdown. Time-outs also are especially effective in breaking a string of good serves. When a time-out is called, the server has time to think about making a mistake, not to mention the added pressures that naturally build in the huddle.

The three minute break between each game also can destroy any hope of maintaining momentum. To maintain that competitive edge, players should waste little time in switching sides and huddle together near the team bench as soon as possible. What this assures, is the maintenance of a bond between the players while the coach submits the line-up for the next game.

SUBSTITUTION

One of the important strategies of volleyball is the proper use of substitution. When the game plan is working, it is appropriate for the coach to continue using the pre-game line-up. The group has managed to perform effectively and has achieved a specific anticipated level of success. SWITCHING THE GAME LINEUP JUST FOR THE SAKE OF GIVING A PLAYER SOME EXPERIENCE can drastically affect the quality of teamwork and, eventually momentum.

A coach's worst fear is to make a substitution to provide on-court experience for a player, only to have that decision backfire when it negatively effects momentum. Oftentimes when the starter(s) reenter the game, it is too late. The team finds it difficult to get back into the flow of the game and loses its competitive edge. The coach should establish definite substitution patterns so the players are not surprised when they are substituted. Examples are service for designated players and good defensive specialists for spikers in the back row.

LETDOWNS

Mistakes and poor play will happen at some point during a match for any team. Players need to prevent letdowns by not allowing themselves or their teammates to get down on themselves when mistakes are made. One unhappy player on the court can instantly destroy any potential for building momentum. If players cannot be encouraged to believe in themselves, then that player should be immediately replaced by someone who is familiar and comfortable with the starting team. The same rule applies for a good player who scolds a teammate, and in turn, negatively affects teamwork and the potential for building momentum.

OPPONENT'S PLAY

Often an excellent play by your opponents, such as a key spike or save, is enough to switch momentum from your team to your opponent's side of the net. You and your teammates should prepare for this possibility by realizing that your team welcomes good competition and the potential great plays that accompany good teams. Players should be inspired, not intimidated, by great plays no matter who makes them. Players need to feed off the energy and enthusiasm generated on the other side of the court to their advantage. Great teams will find a way to win. Never giving up on themselves or their teammates is the required attitude.

INJURY

No one welcomes the possibility of injury, especially to a starting player. Teams have a tendency to let the loss of a player drastically affect their play. At this situation, momentum can be quickly interrupted and difficult to regain. Players must accept the increased responsibility and pressures, and challenge themselves to raise the level of their game. This shift in roles can maintain momentum and bring a team closer together to achieve their common goal to win the volleyball match.

Summary

In conclusion, momentum is definitely an important element of the game volleyball. It affects the flow of the game and has a real impact on the outcome. It is caused by a combination of emotions and events that continually occur throughout each game. An understanding of the possible causes and means of maintaining momentum can greatly enhance team play and assist the coach and players in making the right decisions during the course of the match.