Whether you are a newcomer to the court or a seasoned libero looking to sharpen your defensive game, understanding the technicalities of a “dig” is essential.
It is more than just a flashy dive; it is a calculated defensive maneuver that can change the momentum of an entire match.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what counts as a dig, the misconceptions surrounding the statistic, and the elite techniques used to master it.
What is a Dig in Volleyball?
At its most fundamental level, a dig is a defensive move that prevents the ball from touching the ground after an opponent’s attack. It is considered one of the most critical defensive skills in both men’s and women’s volleyball.
A dig occurs when a defender successfully receives an attacked ball and keeps it in play. Once a ball is “dug,” the defensive team can transition from its defensive stance into an offensive counterattack.
To be officially recorded as a dig, the ball must reach a teammate and stay in play; if a player touches the ball but the team still concedes a point on that specific touch, it is not considered a dig.
The “What Counts” Criteria: Spikes, Tips, and Attacks
Determining what counts as a dig versus a simple pass can be tricky. According to standard officiating and statistical guidelines, such as those found in the NCAA rulebook, the following actions qualify as a dig:
- Defending a Spike: This is the most common form of a dig. When an opponent hits a hard-driven ball toward your side, successfully intercepting it is a dig.
- Defending a Tip: Contrary to popular belief, the attack doesn’t have to be a high-velocity spike. Successfully playing an opponent’s “tip” or “dink” also counts as a dig.
- Keeping the Ball in System: A dig is awarded when the defensive intervention leads to the ball being passed to another player on the team.
The Great Confusion: What Is NOT a Dig?
To understand what counts as a dig, we must also identify what is excluded. There are several common misconceptions where players and fans assume a dig has occurred when, statistically, it hasn’t.
- Serve Reception is Not a Dig: Receiving a serve is classified as a “serve receive” or a “pass,” never a dig.
- Balls Off a Block: If your teammate attempts to block a spike and the ball deflects off their hands toward you, your subsequent touch is considered a pass, not a dig.
- Mishandled Balls (The “Second Touch” Rule): If your own team mishandles the ball and you have to chase it down to keep it in play, that is a pass, not a dig.
- Free Balls: If an opponent is out of system and simply “gets the ball over” the net to avoid a four-hit violation (without an attacking intent), the reception of that ball is a pass.
- The Unsuccessful Save: If you hit the ball but it does not reach a teammate or results in a point for the opponent, no dig is awarded.
The Mathematics of Defense: Dig Statistics
In competitive volleyball, dig statistics follow a strict mathematical logic. A team’s total digs cannot exceed the opposing team’s total attacks minus their kills and errors. Essentially, only balls that could have been kills but were saved by the defense can be counted as digs.
While it is mathematically possible for a team to have a 100% dig rate (digging every single attack that wasn’t an error or a kill), this is incredibly rare in high-level play. Digs are also graded on a quality scale:
- No Pass: The attacking team scores.
- Poor Pass: Teammates have difficulty playing the ball.
- Acceptable Pass: A good ball that may put the team “out of system.”
- Perfect Pass: Keeps the team “in system” and allows for an immediate counterattack.
Types of Digs: From Traditional to Improvisational
Not every dig looks the same. Depending on the trajectory of the attack, defenders must use different techniques:
The Regular (Traditional) Dig
The defender anticipates the ball’s path, stays in a neutral position, and uses both forearms (the bump position) to direct the ball to the setter.
The Side Dig
Used when the ball is headed to the left or right of the defender. This often happens due to a deflection off a block or a misjudgment of the ball’s path.
The Overhead (Overhand) Dig
When the ball is directed above the defender’s head, they use the heels of their palms to strike the ball upward.
The Diving Dig
A “last resort” move where a player throws themselves to the floor to reach a ball that is too fast or too far away. This includes the “pancake,” where a player slides their hand flat on the floor so the ball bounces off the back of their hand.
Elite Technique: The “Hands and Arms First” Philosophy
To become an elite defender, you must prioritize mechanics over aesthetics. Expert coaching emphasizes that the ball goes where your hands and arms tell it to go.
Priority of the Angle
Many developing players focus too much on “pretty” rolls or dives. However, the priority must be the angle and impetus given to the ball at the moment of contact.
Your hands and arms should lead the movement, and your body should follow. Premeditating a fall or roll often leads to the ball dropping because the player was more focused on the floor than the contact point.
Fighting Gravity
A common technical gap is “collapsing like jelly” or “falling like a tree” when the ball is hit. Great defenders fight gravity by using a strong push with their legs to remain assertive and under their own power. This allows them to stay “heavy” in their legs but “light” in their reactions.
The Late Step
When pursuing a ball, the final step should come as late as possible—often even after contact has been made. This ensures the defender maintains body control throughout the entire motion rather than losing balance before the dig is complete.
The Defensive Stance: Readiness and Neutrality
Success in digging starts before the ball is even hit. Defenders should maintain a neutral, balanced, and relaxed position.
- Weight Distribution: Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, but keep your heels on the ground.
- Body Quietness: When a ball is hit directly at you, your body should remain “quiet” to simplify the dig.
- Observation: Experienced players look for patterns in the opponent’s attack to predict the trajectory before the ball is even struck.
How to Improve Your Digging Skills?
Because digging a hard-driven ball is a reflexive activity, breaking bad habits requires time and intentionality.
- Video Analysis: This is one of the most effective tools for defenders. It helps athletes become aware of what their bodies and hands are actually doing during high-speed play.
- Mindfulness: Athletes must be conscious of their “last step” and their arm angles during practice.
- Game-like Repetition: Drills should simulate realistic, random environments to help build the necessary reflexes.
- Tenacity: Above all, a “never-say-die” approach is what separates average defenders from the greats.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Goal
In the end, what counts as a dig is defined by the rules, but what makes a dig successful is a combination of simple, sound mechanics and an aggressive mindset. Whether you are performing a perfect traditional dig or a desperate pancake save, the goal remains the same: Don’t let the ball drop!.
By mastering the distinction between a dig and a pass, and focusing on the “hands-first” technical approach, you can significantly improve your contribution to your team’s defense and statistics.
