When I was young, I went with my friends to the volleyball court to witness a team match at my college. While playing a game, one of the volleyball players suddenly shout to his very next player and said “Pancake”
I was wondering, ” What is a Pancake? And at the very next moment, the player just dives onto the floor and slaps the ball back to their own side of the court.
Yesterday, I and my team members were discussing the volleyball game. So I just told them my story about this short incident. So I also decided to share an article as well.
So a “pancake” in volleyball is a defensive move where a player dives to the ground and uses one hand to slap the ball back to their own side of the court.
The goal of this move is to keep the ball from hitting the ground on their side, by using the palm of their hand as a “paddle” to redirect the ball.
The player’s hand should be flat and parallel to the floor, like a pancake, which is where the term “pancake” comes from.
The pancake is a difficult and high-risk move, as it requires a player to dive to the ground, which leaves them vulnerable to a quick counterattack by the opposition.
However, when executed successfully, the pancake can save a crucial point and turn the momentum of the game in the defender’s favor. It’s considered a flashy and exciting play and is often a crowd-pleaser.
Why do players perform Pancake?
So till now, I am pretty sure that you have been cleared about the activity performed in the pancake
As I always write blogs to clear the confusion of newbies. So people might also be thinking why do players perform this? What’s the reason?
they are using the palm of their hand as a “paddle” to redirect the ball.
So Pancakes are performed by players to help keep the ball from hitting the ground on their side and to prevent the opposing team from scoring a point.
The pancake is a high-risk, high-reward move, as it requires the player to dive to the ground, which can leave them vulnerable to a quick counterattack by the opposition.
However, when executed successfully, the pancake can save a crucial point and turn the game’s momentum in the defender’s favor.
It’s considered a flashy and exciting play and is often a crowd-pleaser.
One of the main reasons players perform pancakes is to save balls that are otherwise unreachable.
Volleyball is a fast-paced game, and players are often put in situations where they need to make a quick reaction to save a ball that’s headed out of bounds.
A pancake can help save these balls, allowing the defender to redirect the ball back into play, keeping the point alive.
Another reason players perform pancakes is to disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm.
When a player makes a successful pancake, it can throw off the opposing team’s timing and coordination, giving the defender’s team an advantage.
Additionally, a pancake can also disrupt the opposing team’s confidence and morale, putting pressure on them to make the next play.
In addition to being a defensive tool, pancakes can also be used as a form of offense.
Some players use pancakes as a way to get the ball over the net, either by redirecting the ball into open space or by using the ball’s spin to throw off the opposing team’s defense.
This can create opportunities for the attacking team to score points and gain the upper hand in the game.
In conclusion, players perform pancakes for several reasons, including saving unreachable balls, disrupting the opposing team’s rhythm, and use as a form of offense.
The pancake is a high-risk, high-reward move that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a volleyball game.
While it may not be a staple of every player’s arsenal, a successful pancake can turn the tide of a match and be a game-changer.
How to execute a pancake?
So now if you are a volleyball player or learning volleyball, read this carefully. Because this is something that I applied personally during my game.
Here are the steps to execute a successful pancake in volleyball:
Get into position
Start by positioning yourself in the right spot to make the play. This usually means getting close to the net and being ready to move quickly in any direction. Keep your eye on the ball and be prepared to dive.
Make the dive
As the ball approaches, take a step or two forward and then dive to the ground. Reach out with your hand to make contact with the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times to make sure you make the right play
Use your palm
The key to a successful pancake is to use the palm of your hand to redirect the ball. Keep your hand flat and parallel to the ground, like a pancake. This will help you create more surface area to make contact with the ball, and will also help you control the ball’s spin.
Get back on your feet
After you’ve redirected the ball, get back on your feet as quickly as possible. This will help you get back into position for the next play and will also help you avoid getting hit by the opposing team’s attack.
Practice
The pancake is a difficult move to execute, so it’s important to practice it regularly to improve your technique and confidence. Start by practicing on a padded surface and then gradually increase the speed and intensity of your practice as you get more comfortable with the move.
Be aware of the rules
Some leagues and tournaments have rules that prohibit diving in certain areas of the court or that limit the number of times a player can dive per game. Be aware of the rules in your league or tournament, and make sure you’re playing within the rules.
In conclusion, the pancake is a valuable defensive move in volleyball, but it can be challenging to execute.
To perform a successful pancake, get into position, make the dive, use your palm to redirect the ball, get back on your feet, practice regularly, and be aware of the rules.
With proper technique and practice, the pancake can become an important tool for players on the defensive, helping them save crucial points and turn the momentum of the game in their favor.
Important tips to perform Pancake in volleyball
The “pancake” in volleyball is a diving defensive move that requires a player to have a combination of agility, coordination, and strength.
The physical aspect of the pancake is crucial to its success and requires the player to have specific skills to execute it effectively.
Here is a short guide about the physical aspect of the pancake in volleyball:
Flexibility
The pancake requires the player to be flexible enough to dive to the ground and reach out with one hand to make contact with the ball.
Improving your flexibility through stretching and other exercises can help you make the play more effective.
Balance
The player needs to maintain their balance while diving to the ground and while getting back on their feet. Improving your balance through exercises such as yoga or Pilates can help you make the play more smooth.
Quickness
The pancake is a fast-paced move that requires quick reactions. Improving your quickness through agility drills and other exercises can help you make the play more effective.
Strength
The pancake requires the player to have enough upper body strength to control the ball and redirect it back to their own side of the court. Improving your upper body strength through weightlifting and other exercises can help you make the play more effective.
Endurance
The pancake can be physically demanding, especially if the player is required to make multiple pancakes in a game. Improving your endurance through cardio exercise and other activities can help you maintain your energy and make the play more effective.
So, the pancake in volleyball requires a combination of physical skills, including flexibility, balance, quickness, strength, and endurance.
Improving these skills through exercises and drills can help players make play more effective and increase their success on the court.
Some Mental aspects to execute pancake in volleyball
The mental aspect of performing a “pancake” in volleyball is just as important as the physical aspect.
A player must have a combination of focus, confidence, and awareness to execute the move effectively. Here is a short guide about the mental aspect of performing a pancake in volleyball:
Focus
The pancake requires the player to have complete attention to the ball and the play. Keeping your focus on the ball at all times can help you make the right play and avoid mistakes.
Confidence
Confidence is crucial when performing the pancake. Believing in your abilities and having trust in your skills can help you execute the play more effectively.
Awareness
The player needs to be aware of their surroundings and the position of their teammates and opponents. This can help you make the right play and avoid collisions.
Relaxation
Relaxation is important when performing the pancake. Tension in your body can affect your reaction time and your ability to control the ball. Keeping yourself relaxed and focused can help you make the play more effective.
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool for improving your performance in volleyball. Visualizing yourself successfully executing the pancake can help you increase your confidence and improve your overall performance.
In conclusion, the mental aspect of performing a pancake in volleyball requires a combination of focus, confidence, awareness, relaxation, and visualization. Improving these mental skills through visualization exercises and mental preparation can help players perform the move more effectively and increase their success on the court.