When I started playing volleyball years ago, I struggled most with one thing — keeping the ball from hitting the floor. I could jump, spike, and even serve decently.
But when it came to defense, especially digging, I would freeze. I didn’t understand when to move, how to position my hands, or even where my eyes should focus.
It all changed during a practice match when one of our powerful hitters smashed the ball toward my zone. I reacted without thinking, arms together, and somehow kept the ball up.
That one moment helped me understand what a dig really means in volleyball — not just physically, but as a mindset. It’s about fighting to keep the play alive.
Whether you’re new to volleyball or looking to sharpen your defensive game. This article will take you through everything about digs — from basics to techniques, player roles, and how it all works during a game.
What is a Dig in Volleyball?
A dig is when you stop the ball after the other team spikes it. The ball comes fast, and your job is to keep it from touching the floor. Usually, it happens when the ball comes very fast after a strong hit from the other team. The goal is to keep the ball off the floor and send it back up, so your team can keep playing.
Most digs are done using your forearms. You hold your arms together to make a flat surface and try to bounce the ball up. But sometimes, you might use just one arm or even your leg or foot if you don’t have time to get in the right position.
Different Types of Digs:
- Forearm Dig: You use both arms together. This is the most common one.
- One-Arm Dig: Used when the ball is too far to reach with both arms.
- Overhead Dig: You use your hands above your head, like when you’re catching a high ball.
Every dig happens in a quick moment, so you need fast reflexes and good timing.
Why a Dig is So Important
In volleyball, a dig can completely change the game. If no one digs the ball, your team loses the point. But if someone makes a successful dig, your team can attack back and maybe even score.
Here’s why digs are super important:
- They give your team another chance to win the point.
- They stop the other team from getting easy points.
- A great dig can boost team spirit and bring more energy.
When you make a good dig, it not only helps the team but also builds your confidence.
How to Do a Dig – Step-by-Step
Let’s break it down in very simple steps.
1. Get in the Right Position – Stand with your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your hands in front and lean a little forward. You should feel balanced and ready to move in any direction.
2. Watch the Ball – Look closely at the hitter’s shoulder and arm. That tells you where the ball is going. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
3. Stay Low – Bend your knees more and get closer to the floor. This helps you move quickly and reach low balls.
4. Make a Platform – Put your hands together and lock your thumbs. Keep your forearms flat and strong. That’s your platform.
5. Move Your Feet – Take quick, small steps to get to the ball. Don’t just dive right away. Shuffle your feet until you’re close enough.
6. Let the Ball Hit Your Arms – Don’t swing your arms. Let the ball hit your forearms and bounce up. Keep your arms strong but not stiff.
The more you practice this, the better your timing and control will get.
Dig vs. Pass – What’s the Difference?
Many people get confused between a dig and a pass. Here’s how they are different:
| Feature | Dig | Pass |
|---|---|---|
| When it Happens | After a spike or strong attack | After a serve |
| Ball Speed | Very fast and hard | Usually slower and controlled |
| Body Position | Lower and more defensive | More upright and stable |
| Goal | Stop the ball from hitting the floor | Start the play with good control |
Both moves use similar arm positions, but digs require more quick reactions.
Who Usually Does the Digs?
Everyone on the court should know how to dig, but some players have special roles:
- Libero: This player is the best at digging and plays in the back row. They wear a different jersey color and focus only on defense.
- Defensive Specialist: Similar to the libero, but they can play front row too.
- Outside Hitter: When they rotate to the back row, they help with digs.
- Setter: Sometimes digs when the ball comes their way unexpectedly.
If you love defense and reacting quickly, being a libero is a great choice.
Types of Digs in Volleyball
There are different ways to dig depending on the situation:
1. Basic Forearm Dig
This is the most common type of dig you’ll see. When a hitter smashes the ball hard, the defender drops low and uses their forearms to stop it from touching the ground.
They hold their arms together and angle them slightly, so the ball pops up instead of bouncing off. It’s all about keeping the body low, staying balanced, and reacting fast. This type of dig is used the most because it works well against powerful spikes.
2. Overhead Dig
Sometimes, the ball comes so high and fast that using the forearms isn’t enough. In that case, the player might use their hands above their head, almost like setting the ball. This is called an overhead dig.
It’s often used when a player is too close to the ball or when it comes straight toward the face. The hands act like a shield, and the fingers help control the direction of the ball.
3. Pancake Dig
This one has a funny name, but it’s very useful. Imagine the ball is about to hit the floor, and there’s no time to get in position. What does the defender do?
They dive and slide their hand flat on the floor, palm down, right where the ball is landing. The ball hits the back of the hand and pops up just enough for another player to save it. That’s a pancake dig. It’s rare, but when it works, it can turn a point around.
4. One-Handed Dig
Sometimes the ball is just out of reach. A player might not have time to use both hands. In this case, they stretch one arm out and try to dig the ball with just one hand.
This type of dig takes great control, and it usually happens when the ball is touched last second. Even though it’s not as strong as a two-handed dig, it can still save the point if done right.
5. Rolling or Diving Dig
When players go all-in to save a ball, they might have to dive forward. As they dive, they dig the ball using their forearms or even one hand, and then roll to protect their body.
This is a diving or rolling dig. It’s exciting to watch and takes a lot of courage and practice. The goal is to get the ball up in the air and avoid injury at the same time.
Best Drills to Improve Your Digs
1. Partner Toss and Dig Drill
This one is simple, but it works really well. Stand facing your partner, a few feet apart. Your partner will toss the ball toward your feet, sides, and front—mixing it up every time.
Your job is to stay in a low, ready position and dig the ball back gently to them. It teaches you to move quickly and keep your arms steady.
It also helps you get better at reading the ball’s direction.
Do this for about 10–15 minutes with short breaks. Then switch roles.
2. Coach-Controlled Ball Drops
For this drill, your coach (or a teammate) will stand on a chair or platform and drop the ball toward different areas on the court.
Your job is to react and dig the ball before it hits the floor. Because the ball is dropping straight down, it trains your reaction time and teaches you to move your feet quickly.
Try not to wait for the ball to get too low. React as fast as you can and stay balanced while digging.
3. Reaction Ball Drill
A reaction ball is a special kind of ball that bounces in random directions when dropped. If you don’t have one, a tennis ball can work too—just not as unpredictably.
Your coach drops the ball, and you try to catch or stop it before it bounces too far away.
This drill helps you become quicker on your feet, and it builds hand-eye coordination. That’s very useful for digging because you often have to move fast without much time to think.
4. Wall Dig Drill
Find a solid wall—like in a gym or garage. Stand a few feet away and hit the volleyball against the wall using your forearms. Let it bounce back and try to dig it again before it hits the ground.
Keep doing this back and forth. If it’s too easy, take a step back and add more power.
This drill helps you build consistency in your digs. It also teaches control and keeps your arms firm during contact.
5. Dig and Roll Drill
Here, you work on digging the ball and rolling after it. A partner hits or tosses the ball toward your side. You dive, dig the ball up, and roll safely after hitting the ground.
It helps you become more confident while diving and teaches your body to move correctly when falling.
Make sure you use a soft surface like a gym mat or sand when you’re starting out.
Over time, this drill helps remove fear from diving and gets you comfortable with aggressive defense.
6. Chaos Dig Drill
This drill is all about fast movement. Set up a few cones or markers across the court. Your partner stands across and randomly hits or tosses balls to different areas—some short, some deep, some left, some right.
Your job is to move fast and dig the ball every time.
Because it’s random, your brain gets better at reacting quickly. And your body learns how to move smoothly between positions.
After 10 minutes, you’ll feel tired—but you’ll also be getting better every second.
Common Digging Mistakes
Even experienced players make digging errors. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Swinging Arms: This often leads to poor control. Let the ball come to your platform.
- Standing Too Tall: You won’t be able to react in time. Stay low.
- Wrong Arm Position: If your arms aren’t straight and together, the ball will go off to the side.
- Not Watching the Hitter: Anticipate where the hit is going by watching the attacker’s shoulders and approach.
Top Volleyball Players Famous for Digs
| Player Name | Country | Why They’re Famous |
| Brenda Castillo | Dominican Republic | Fast reactions and clean technique |
| Fabiana Oliveira | Brazil | Great reading and defense |
| Erik Shoji | USA | Smooth, smart digs every match |
| Monica De Gennaro | Italy | Calm and reliable under pressure |
These players are great examples of how digging can take your game to the next level.
Final Thoughts
A dig in volleyball is one of the most important and exciting moves. It takes courage, focus, and lots of practice. Whether you’re new or experienced, getting better at digging will always help your game.
Keep your body low, your eyes sharp, and your arms strong. Every dig you make gives your team hope to win the point—and sometimes, even the whole match.
FAQs
1. What does a dig mean in volleyball?
It’s a move used to stop a strong hit from hitting the ground.
2. Is a dig the same as a pass?
No. A dig stops an attack, while a pass usually starts a play after a serve.
3. Who makes the most digs?
Liberos and defensive players usually dig the most balls.
4. Can I use my foot to dig the ball?
Yes, as long as the ball doesn’t rest on your body.
5. How can I practice digs?
Do drills like partner pepper, footwork drills, and diving exercises.