Jenny McDowell believes that ball control gets you to the big match, but outside hitting wins you the big match.

In this passionate six-part presentation from the 2009 AVCA Convention, Coach McDowell shares her philosophy, training methods and drills for creating the type of error-free outside hitting that will help win you the big match.

McDowell begins with a brief discussion to the mental aspect of outside hitting. She moves into the training segment with a brief warm-up for hitting she describes as "pepper with discipline."

The bulk of McDowell's competitive drills are broken down into four segments:

• Court Positioning: McDowell leads her demonstrators through outside hitting drills from varying court positions and out of system attacking.
• Explosive Approaches: McDowell presents drills to reinforce stronger approaches to give your outside hitters more options and the most control.
• Transitioning and Maintaining Vision: This segment features a four-drill progression that progresses from simple to complex.
• Competition with Practice: McDowell shares five additional competitive training games with scoring systems designed to reward error free hitting. McDowell shares how to modify the scoring to best fit the needs of your team.

Using these drills, McDowell's squad finished fifth in the nation in 2009 in hitting percentage (27.5%). Now you can train your outside hitters to hit for a higher percentage.

2010. 47 minutes

The common denominator of all great athletes is that they are constantly finding ways to get better and in this DVD, Bond Shymansky shares with you 40 tips to help you improve your blocking and outside hitting. Shymansky begins this presentation with Transition. The "T" position on the floor is the point where the three meter line meets the sideline. This is where players will transition back to each time. Footwork into the attack is left, right, left, staying open to the setter. Arm swing mechanics are important to outside hitters. Being a great shot maker and good arm swing mechanics can make a player a valuable part of the team. Instruction on tip shots demands that players use an open hand and make contact with all five fingers. Good vision allows tippers to tip to the opponents open area of the floor. By executing the same technique, but slowing down the arm swing, players can hit roll shots. The sweep is a shot close to the net that bounces off the opponents block. Another skill is tooling the block which requires vision, swings with the high elbow, and uses the same exchange and good swing mechanics. The high swing, line shot, and extreme angle shots are tools that outside hitters must master. This position requires versatility as players must be able to Pass, Defend, and Block to hitting transition. A one foot takeoff is also demonstrated and enables a player to hit with power. Blocking is also a main technique in becoming the best player you can be. The vision sequence spells out each key for blocking preparation. The sequence is ball-setter-ball-hitter. The key is to read the hitter's tendencies, then apply them in your blocking skill. Hand and footwork mechanics, penetrating the net, keeping the eyes open, coiled position, and strong hands benefit the blocker. This information packed DVD is a must for any serious player looking to take their blocking and outside hitting to a new level,

85 minutes. 2006.

Take your middle hitting and blocking to a new level! In "Gettin' Better," Coach Bond Shymansky shares more than 40 tips to help you improve your middle hitting and blocking play. Intensity, footwork, getting open for a set and always communicating with your setter are keys for middle hitters. Teaching begins with the "ready hitting position." The key is a fast exchange in which the wrist and elbow work in unison. Because of active defenders, hitting the ball in different directions is imperative for middle hitters. Directional hits include the left and right back 3-meter shot. The cross body swing, a deceptive skill against blockers at the net, and the basic tip, which includes the shallow and deep tip, are other techniques demonstrated. Techniques for the one-foot take off include the left "tempo" step and the left-right-left running motion. A middle hitter must have good transition footwork. "Dropping the Hammer" is another aspect of hitting at the net and is addressed here. Shymansky begins the blocking segment by discussing the vision sequence, which spells out each key for blocking preparation. Hand and footwork mechanics, penetrating the net, keeping the eyes open, coiled position and strong hands benefit the blocker. This incredible DVD is packed with tips and teaching points, and is a valuable tool to your middle hitting success - a must for aspiring volleyball players!

71 minutes. 2006.

Coach Maes begins his on-court AVCA convention presentation with a three-phase warm-up that includes simple band work for shoulder strengthening, a series of unique seated and standing swing drills stressing a fast arm, and ball throws to develop swing technique. Maes teaches the basics of the approach by drilling a 2-step approach. His approach features a two foot landing, a focus on jumping high, and three arm swing techniques: high snap, full rotation, and cross body. In his slide approach sequence, Maes drills tight, intermediate and wide slides. His progression begins with a ball "carry and throw" before adding a setter. His drills increase in foot speed during the approach and vary in court positions. Maes' wide variety of ball control drills features out of system hitting, counter attacking with middles, overloading a block and more. With over 25 drills and great teaching from Maes, this program will increase your athletes' speed and efficiency in attacking,

56 minutes. 2009.

This video is the most comprehensive personalized instruction available and a must for improving your game! Dunning approaches hitting from the basics while always keeping an eye on more advanced skills. Dunning begins with an explanation of some of the attributes to effective hitting: Vision, Ball Speed, Ball Control, Attitude, Becoming a student of the Game, and Hitting Off-line. He then proceeds to lead you towards these skills by beginning with the basics and moving towards the more complex skills . all with the goal of power, precision, and injury prevention! Dunning shares sequential individual ball control progressions in each of the eight different parts of the video. The eight parts are: Part 1: Topspin and Ball Control, Part 2: Placement Hitting and Accuracy, Part 3: Sets and Timing, Part 4: Focus on Landing, Part 5: Offensive Strategy and Off-Direction, Part 6: One-Legged Attacking, Part 7: Training for Right and Left Handed Players, and Part 8: Drills for Hitting Control.

57 minutes. 2002. ISBN 1-56404-969-8.