Attacking is all about the perfect balance of precision and aggressiveness. You need to have a killer instinct to go after balls and smash them down on your opponent, but you also have to be patient enough to wait on the perfect set location so that you don’t waste your shot and give your opponent a chance to recover. Here are a few pointers on attacking tips and technique for you to keep in mind when practicing.

- Work on developing good footwork when approaching the ball. The proper step and jump combination will allow you to put maximum power behind the ball, so this needs to be practiced so often that it becomes second nature. Try taking 2-3 steps and then leaping off both feet.

- Swing your arms forward as you leap to help generate momentum. In the same motion, draw your strike hand back like am arrow being drawn back on a bow. Once the ball is at the perfect elevation, shoot your strike hand at the ball and smash it. Try snapping your wrist across the top of the ball to generate more topspin and speed.

- Work on developing a consistent jumping and attacking style that allows you to jump and land without losing control of your body. If your jump takes you too far past the ball and you wind up striking or landing in the net, then you have just wasted the point.

- Keep an eye on your opponents as the game progresses. Usually you will be able to spot the opponent that has the hardest time digging spikes, and then you can try to aim at them for easy points.

- Work with your teammates to establish designated attack zones for each attacker, and be sure to communicate and be vocal during the match. You won’t be a very effective attacker if you don’t call for the ball and wind up jumping into a teammate while the shot drops for the other team.