A pipe attack or BIC is a type of volleyball attack in which a back-row player, an outside hitter, runs quickly through the middle of the court in zone 6 and hits a fast set from the setter. A pipe attack is an essential part of any team because it has several advantages, such as:
- It increases the number of attacking options for the team.
- It is a fast and surprising attack played behind the middle blocker, giving the opponent less time to react and set up a block.
- It has a higher efficiency than traditional attacks from the front row, as the pipe attacker often faces a single or no block.
I will go through everything you need to know about it: the best scoring areas and directions, the three-step approach, and the locations and situations for playing it. Let’s dive in!
Quick Overview Of Pipe Attack
To execute a pipe attack, the hitter needs to follow a three-step approach, similar to a front-row attack. The first step is to start from behind the 3-meter line and run towards the net. The second step is to plant the left foot (for right-handed hitters) and prepare to jump. The third step is to push off with both feet and swing the arm back. The hitter should jump as high as possible and contact the ball at the highest point, aiming for the open spaces on the opponent’s side.
The timing and location of the pipe attack depend on the set area and the setter’s preference. Some setters like to set the pipe close to the net, while others prefer to set it further back. The hitter should adjust their approach accordingly and communicate with the setter. The pipe can be set in different tempos, such as first, second, or third tempo, depending on the speed of the set. The faster the tempo, the harder it is for the opponent to react.
One of the best pipe attackers in the world isWilfredo Leon, a Cuban-Polish professional volleyball player. He is currently playing forPerugiain Italy and thePoland national team.
Three-step approach For Pipe attack
A three-step spike approach is a technique that helps the spiker generate speed, power, and height for the spike. Here are the basic steps for a three-step spike approach which has to be used for pipe as well:
- Step 1: Take a medium step with your left foot (if you are right-handed) or your right foot (if you are left-handed). This is called the directional step, as it helps you align your body with the ball and the net. Your arms should be extended in front of you, parallel to the ground.
- Step 2: Take a large step with your right foot (if you are right-handed) or your left foot (if you are left-handed). This is called the accelerating step, as it helps you gain momentum and speed for the jump. Your arms should swing back behind you, preparing for the arm swing.
- Step 3: Take a short step with your left foot (if you are right-handed) or your right foot (if you are left-handed). This is called the stopping step, as it helps you stop your forward motion and transfer it into vertical motion. Your arms should swing forward and up, reaching for the ball. Swing should come from the body first and then with the arm. In sync.
For a pipe attack, you have to jump behind the three-meter line to avoid being called for a step over. You have to jump forward because a successful pipe attack requires the set to be around 1.5 to 2 meters off the net. Why close to the net? This way, the pipe is much more effective, as it allows the spiker to hit the court at sharper angles. Moreover, the opponent blockers will have a harder time reacting and they will either face only one blocker or none at all.
Best pipe attack spiking areas
Aim for the corners: If you are playing a fast pipe, you want to aim for the deep corners of the court, where the defense is usually weaker and the block is less likely to reach. You can also try to hit the ball between the blockers. Try to avoid spiking in zone 6
Tip the ball: Tipping short is a great option for pipe attacks, especially when the opponent’s wing blockers join the block. This can surprise the defense and earn easy points. However, you should not tip too often, as the defense might adjust and expect your tips. Try to tip at sharp angles behind the net or just over the blockers.
Aim for Block Out: A block out is a good option when you have no other choices. To do this, you spike the ball into the block and make it bounce out of bounds. If the wing blockers are late, they will struggle to block your pipe attack. You can hit the ball hard towards them and try to make the ball go out of bounds.
When To Play Pipe (situations)
The best time to play pipe is when the ball is perfectly ‘#’ or positively ‘+’ received. There are three ways to play it: on the setter, in front of the setter, or behind the setter. The outside hitter and the setter should communicate with each other depending on the reception area about which pipe to attack
Playing pipe with an exclamative ‘!’ situation can be effective, as long as the ball is shifted and the pipe is played off the setter. This can create more space and speed for the pipe hitter and make it harder for the opponent to block or defend. However, this also requires a lot of skill and practice from both the setter and the hitter.
Conclusion
A pipe attack is a highly effective technique that requires good coordination, timing, and communication between the setter and the outside hitter. It can create scoring opportunities by exploiting the weaknesses of the opponent’s defense and block. It is one of the most exciting and spectacular moves in volleyball. If you want to learn how to perform the best pipe attack, watch some of the best players do it, such as Wilfredo Leon, Alexander Sliwka, Klemen Čebulj, or other world-class players.
If you enjoyed reading the blog about pipe attack, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or questions.
FAQ
What is a pipe attack?
A pipe attack is a type of volleyball attack where the back-row player, usually an outside hitter, runs quickly through the middle of the court in zone 6 and hits a fast set from the setter. A pipe attack can surprise the opponent’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
How to execute a pipe attack?
The pipe attackers should follow a three-step approach, similar to a front-row attack. They should jump as high as possible behind the 3-meter line and contact the ball at the highest point. They should aim for the deep corners, hit tips, or aim for block out.
How to coordinate a pipe attack?
The timing and location of the pipe attack depend on the set area and the setter’s preference. Some setters like to set the pipe close to themselves, while others prefer to set it further forward. The hitter should adjust their approach accordingly and communicate with the setter.
You might find interesting also:
- Volleyball Positions And System 5-1 Explained (With Pictures).
- Volleyball Drills For All Levels
- Most Frequently Asked Volleyball Questions And Tips
