Floor Play
Real players don't have to be standing to win
It’s always better to play the game on your feet, but you have kneepads for a reason. Every now and then you are going to have to sprawl out and go diving to make a save and keep the ball in play, and top-notch players work to develop techniques for these rough-and-tumble points. Although it’s not the most appealing part of the game, floor play is important and needs to be part of your skill set, so here are a few tips to help you develop a strategy for these down and dirty plays.
When you are getting in position for a dig, be prepared to collapse or dive for a ball that comes in shorter than you anticipated. Stay low in your defensive crouch and don’t hesitate to drop down and make the play. Some players also prefer to keep one foot slightly in front of the other, allowing them to lunge forward to get to short shots instead of collapsing to the ground. However, lunging takes a bit longer than simply falling down, and letting your legs stretch and sprawl out can create obstacles that your other teammates will have to avoid.
Some of the more desperate and last-resort save techniques include the pancake and barrel-roll. The pancake is when you basically plant yourself flat on the court and use your outstretched fingers to keep the ball off the floor. It’s not the most graceful technique, but if it can keep the ball in play, go for it. The barrel roll involves moving sharply to your left or right to make a save. It’s similar to a dive, but instead of laying out for the ball, you just pop it back up and use your momentum to roll over and then spring back to your feet. This keeps you from
hitting the ground too hard and can prevent injuries that you might normally suffer when diving or pancaking, but if you can’t control your momentum you might become a human bowling ball and roll right over a few of your teammates.
Work with your teammates to find what style of floor play works best with your normal defensive scheme. This will help you prepare and react to your teammates’ movements and become accustomed to their style. It’s also helpful to use practice drills that force you to dive and sprawl out for tough saves. Remember, it doesn’t have to be pretty to be effective. Your dive or roll may look goofy and you might finish the point on your back, but if it works, it works. Do whatever it takes to get to the ball and live to play another point.