How varying hitting directions make your hitter harder to block

What is “hitting on the clock”?

In the clock principle, you imagine the ball at the contact point as a clock face. By hitting the ball at a different “hour,” you change the direction without revealing your timing or approach.

• 12 o’clock – hitting directly on top for a hard, direct attack.
• 10 o’clock – hitting the ball slightly on the left side: sharp diagonal past the block (off the shoulder).
• 2 o’clock – hitting the ball slightly on the right side: powerful line shot straight ahead (over the shoulder).

Technique and execution

Good execution starts with a stable approach and a fully extended hitting arm. The direction is determined by the wrist at the moment of ball contact.

• Extended arm – contact the ball high, with a stable torso and shoulder line.
• Wrist sets direction – small, precise rotation exactly at contact.
• Pinky forward (2 o’clock) – gives the ball a leftward direction (line/through the middle).
• Thumb forward (10 o’clock) – gives the ball a rightward direction (sharp diagonal).

Make sure the wrist action happens on contact (not too early or late), and that your hand stays above and slightly in front of the shoulder for control.

Drills and progression

Build the skill step by step. Start slowly, increase speed once the direction is stable.

• 1) Dry practice – without a ball, repeat the sequence 12 → 10 → 2 o’clock; focus on wrist rotation.
• 2) Toss & contact – coach/partner tosses softly; player alternates between 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock on each ball.
• 3) Set-up & jump – full approach; before each rep, call the direction (“diagonal” or “line”).
• 4) With block – 1 or 2 blockers react; attacker chooses 10 or 2 o’clock at the last moment.

Variations: score only if the ball hits the intended zone; work in sequences (e.g. 3× diagonal, 2× line) to train unpredictability.

Coaching tips for trainers

• Consistent approach – keep rhythm and arm load identical; only the contact point changes.
• Video slow motion – small wrist actions are visible in slowed footage; use this for feedback.
• Zone targets – place mats or hoops in diagonal and line zones to make success measurable.
• Call & execute – have the attacker call the choice aloud before the set and then execute.

Common mistakes

• Wrist action too late – direction fails or ball spins out. Cue: “wrist on contact.”
• Bent hitting arm – loses height and control. Cue: “contact above your forehead.”
• Timing giveaway – visible changes in approach/torso. Cue: “everything the same, only the hour changes.”

Hitting on the clock

With the “hitting on the clock” principle, you build variety without giving away your pattern. By hitting the ball at 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock and subtly rotating the thumb or pinky forward, you can score diagonally or straight ahead – with the same approach and arm swing.