The Trotters dig deep for volleyball season

PLAINS- The Trotters of Plains had their first practice of the season on Monday in the gym at the high school. As athletes flew through the air, spiking balls with a velocity normally reserved for ballistic projectiles, Head Coach Kim Earhart took the girls through a series of drills in order to ascertain where his team stands.

The Trotters have eight returning veterans for the 2013 season. Coach Earhart said every team is unique and the challenge for coaches is assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the roster and adapting training regimens accordingly.

“Every team is different,” said Earhart. “One advantage that some teams have over us is they play in other leagues during the summer. In smaller communities like Plains, we simply don’t have those options.”

Exercises involving the core skills of volleyball occupied the floor as the team split into four groups. The first set of drills involved setting the ball, spiking the ball at a defender whereby the athlete on the receiving end attempted to go for a “dig.” A “dig” is a defensive move where the player on defense attempts to merely keep the ball in play so teammates can strike back at the opponent.

Each athlete took turns as the target of a spike from the opposing player. The girls rotated in and out of the defender spot in order for coaches to gauge the effectiveness of individual athletes on defense.

Like most team sports, volleyball players must be as proficient on defense as they are on offense. The ability to transition quickly from a position of blocking to one of spiking is highly prized within the sport.

The second drill focused on offensive tactics at the net. Assisted by senior veteran Felicia Earhart, athletes approached the net and attempted to strike the ball as hard as they could over the barrier. Earhart would set up the ball near the net as athletes took to the air, swatting the ball down hard over to the other side.

Coach Earhart said the group is well rounded with a number of returning veterans. Earhart said three key components are well covered by members of the team. Serving the ball was the focus of the next set of drills.

“We have setters, we have hitters and we have blockers. It’s good to have all those ingredients,” said Earhart. “Today we are working on serving. The game starts with a serve and you can’t score without it.”

The Trotters will play their first game of the season on August 31 at the Mission Invitational Tourney. The team will play the first home game of the season against Loyola on Sept. 5th. Two more home games will follow against Florence and Hot Springs on Sept. 7th and 10th respectively.