A pipe attack or BIC as they call it in the US 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 (back-row). A pipe attack is an essential part of today’s volleyball because it gives several advantages, to the team’s tactics. It is a fast attack played behind the middle’s blocker quick attack, giving the opponent a harder time to react and set up a block. Statistically, it’s more efficient than attacks from the front row, as the pipe attacker often faces a single or no block.
Timing is crucial
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 faster the tempo, the harder it is for the opponent to react.
As I already mentioned to attack the pipe, the outside hitter must jump behind the three-meter line otherwise the referee will whistle for a stepover. The jump has to be more forward because a successful pipe requires a set around 1.5 to 2 meters off the net. Why is this close to the net? This way, the attack is much more effective, allowing the spiker to hit the court at sharper angles. Moreover, the opponent blockers will have a harder time reacting, making it easier for the pipe attacker to score a point.
Because of its complexity and skill requirements, it is one of volleyball’s most exciting and spectacular moves.
If you want to learn from the best, watch videos of Wilfredo Leon, Alexander Sliwka, Klemen Čebulj, or other world-class Outside Hitters.
When To Play Pipe?
The best time to play pipe is when the ball is perfectly ‘#’ or positively ‘+’ received. The player has 3 options to play it: One way is close to the setter, either in front or behind. The outside hitter and the setter must communicate with each other depending on the reception area about which pipe to attack.
Playing a pipe with an exclamative ‘!’ situation can be effective if the ball is shifted and the pipe is played off the setter. This can create more space and speed for the pipe attacker and make it harder for the opponent to block or defend. However, this also requires a lot of skill and these situations are mostly seen on the top level.
In Conclusion, a pipe attack can be a highly effective attack in zone (position 6) that relies mostly on good coordination, timing, and communication between the setter and the hitter. If you have any more questions regarding the pipe attack (BIC), feel free to contact us, we will be glad to respond!
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