Basketball Hoop Spike Trainer for Volleyball: Powernet, Pinsuko, and Dynamic

I am desperately trying to keep my 12-year-old daughter interested in volleyball. I noticed a couple of ads for volleyball spike trainers that attach to a basketball hoop. they looked like the perfect tool to let her practice on her own (we don’t have anyone her age in the neighborhood who is interested in playing). I just needed to do the research to choose which one would be the best for her. Hopefully, my research will save you a bunch of time if you are in a similar situation. Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Volleyball Spike Trainer?

A volleyball spike trainer is a training device used to improve a player’s spiking skills. It is designed to help players develop proper spiking techniques, increase their vertical jump, and improve their overall timing and coordination.

A volleyball spike trainer typically consists of a vertical pole with a ball attached to the top by an elastic cord. The player stands a few feet away from the pole and hits the ball with a spike. The elastic cord then pulls the ball back up to the top of the pole, ready for the next spike. Some models may also have adjustable cords or weights to vary the resistance and difficulty level of the exercise. The one pictured above is too heavy-duty for our needs and attaches permanently to your ceiling. Looks cool, but too much of a commitment for our needs. In my case, I specifically wanted something that would hang down from our basketball hoop.

Using volleyball spike training equipment can help players develop muscle memory for proper spiking technique, which can be difficult to achieve through regular practice alone. It can also help players improve their timing and coordination, as well as increase their vertical jump through repeated jumping and spiking motion. I go into more detail on the two finalists, but share my notes on every model I considered. Every volleyball player needs to learn to hit, but it can be especially important for outside and opposite hitter positions.

Basketball Hoop Volleyball Spike Trainers I Researched:

• Volleyball Spike Trainer Basketball Hoop by Pinsuko
• Smart Spike Volleyball Training Aid by Powernet
• M.A.K Volleyball Spike Trainer
• Tandem Sports Spike Pal
• DynamicSpike Volleyball Training System

1. Volleyball Spike Trainer Basketball Hoop by Pinsuko

The Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer can be attached to a standard basketball hoop to practice spiking and help athletes enhance their skills and overall performance on the court. Spoiler alert: this is the item we chose. It looks a little goofy with the big inflatable ball that goes into the rim. But based on review feedback it helped keep the ball from getting wrapped around the rim which would constantly have to be untangled. We may have been able to manage with a spike trainer without that feature (M.A.K. or Tandem Sports Spike Pal) since my daughter doesn’t hit that hard right now. But, I am optimistic that she will be hitting that hard eventually.

Setting up the Trainer

To set up the Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have all the necessary parts.
2. Locate a standard basketball hoop where you will attach the spike trainer. Make sure the hoop is secure and stable.
3. Attach the net assembly to the basketball hoop. This typically involves fastening the attachment mechanisms to the rim of the hoop or the backboard, depending on the design. Make sure the net assembly is securely fastened.
4. Adjust the height of the net assembly according to your preference and skill level. Some spike trainers may come with adjustable straps or poles to help you find the optimal height for your training.
5. Double-check all connections and adjustments to ensure the spike trainer is securely fastened and set at the desired height.
6. Once everything is secure, you can begin practicing your spiking techniques using the Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer.

Advantages

The Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer offers several advantages for those looking to develop and enhance their spiking skills:

1. Convenience: By attaching to a standard basketball hoop, the device allows users to practice their spiking techniques in various settings, including public parks, schools, and private home courts.
2. Adjustable: The adjustable net assembly enables users to modify the height according to their skill level, ensuring a tailored training experience.
3. Safe practice: The spike trainer provides a controlled environment for practicing spikes, reducing the risk of injury and property damage.
4. Versatility: The device can be used by players of various skill levels and ages, making it suitable for coaches, teams, or individual players.
5. Cost-effective: The Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer is generally more affordable than other specialized volleyball training equipment, making it accessible to a wider range of players.

Overall, the device offers a convenient, adjustable, and practical solution for volleyball players looking to improve their volleyball spiking technique.

Disadvantages

Despite the long list of pros, the Pinsuko Volleyball Spike Trainer does have some potential drawbacks:

1. Limited functionality: The device primarily focuses on improving spiking skills and may not address other aspects of volleyball training, such as passing, setting, or serving.
2. Dependency on basketball hoop: The spike trainer requires a standard basketball hoop for attachment, which may not be readily available in all locations.
3. Compatibility issues: The attachment mechanisms may not fit all types of basketball hoops, potentially limiting the device’s usability for some users.
4. This may not be a good option for tall players or high jumpers since the ball hangs down 15 inches or so from the rim and isn’t adjustable. It may not be high enough to go through a full jumping and hitting motion. My daughter is about 5′ 5″ and will likely top out at 5′ 9″ or so and if she grows out of it it will be a good problem to have (if she wants to play high school volleyball).

I will update this post with any additional pros or cons we find out while using the unit.

2. Smart Spike Volleyball Training Aid by Powernet

If you thought the Pinsuko basketball hoop spike trainer was cool, you may fall in love with the Smart Spike volleyball training aid by Powernet. But, this spike trainer was just more than we needed. It costs around 300.00 dollars and it looks like you still have to chase the balls once you hit them. I am sure you get a more natural hit since the volleyball is not attached to a cord with the positive side effect of not coming back and hitting you in the face. But it was just too expensive for us and more than what we needed. This was easy to sort out as a “No” and I didn’t spend much more time researching it. Here are my notes on the research I did do.

Setting up the Smart Spike Volleyball Training Aid

Setting up this training aid might seem daunting initially, but it is as easy as placing the trough on top of an existing basketball hoop. We play a lot of basketball as well and I think it would have been annoying to hoist that big unit on and off the hoop every time you wanted to play.

Advantages

If you are considering paying extra for this volleyball training aid, then you might want to know more. Here are a few advantages of the smart spike training aid:

• Allows you to perform multiple spikes before replacing the balls
• Has versatile uses for all skill levels

Disadvantages

• It is more expensive than other trainers on the market.
• You still have to chase down balls and put them back in the basket.

3. M.A.K Volleyball Spike Trainer

The M.A.K Volleyball Spike Trainer is one of the first items that caught my eye. Honestly, I don’t totally trust anything that costs under 20 dollars. I really thought I would buy this or a similar product like the Tandem Sports Spike Pal. It also only had one review on Amazon which is a red flag in my opinion.

Because this is so similar to the Tandem Sports Spike Pal and it was easy to filter out based on the price and reviews I will keep this short and include more details in my notes on the Spike Pal.

4. Tandem Sports Spike Pal

The Tandem Sports Spike Pal is priced a little higher than the M.A.K Volleyball Spike Trainer. That actually makes me feel better. It also had 111 reviews the last time I checked. This would have been the item I bought if I didn’t see the notes in the reviews about the tether getting tangled up in the rim too often. If I had the patience I may have bought both and returned the one I didn’t like as well.

One thing I noted is that there were several complaints that the hook\caribiner wouldn’t fit around some rims. Many solved this issue themselves by using a D-shaped carabiner they bought separately or had on hand. Then there was this note that made me choose the Volleyball Spike Trainer Basketball Hoop by Pinsuko.

If your off center a little then the ball will loop around and go in the basket. This is good and bad .. You can hit it a few more times but after a while you need to untangle the ball from the net / rim. Good from the point of view that it forces the player to be perfect with their hit.

Amazon.com Review

The only other thing I noted were reports that the strap that fits around the ball was too small for some balls. Here are some other pros and cons.

Advantages

The Tandem Sports Spike Pal offers several benefits for volleyball players looking to improve their spiking skills:

1. Solo training: With its elastic cord system that securely holds a volleyball, the Spike Pal allows players to practice spiking techniques without needing a partner, making it ideal for individual training sessions.
2. Portability: The device is lightweight and easy to transport and can be used in a variety of locations, such as homes, parks, or gyms.
3. Easy setup: The device is generally easy to set up and disassemble, allowing for quick and hassle-free use.

These advantages make the Tandem Sports Spike Pal a valuable tool for athletes who want to work on their spiking skills independently and with greater flexibility.

Disadvantages

The Tandem Sports Spike Pal does have some drawbacks that potential users should consider:

1. The device is specifically designed for spiking practice and does not cater to other aspects of volleyball training, such as passing, setting, or serving.
2. The Spike Pal requires a stable anchor point, such as a basketball hoop. A problem if you don’t have one.
3. The carabiner may need to be replaced with something more sturdy.
4. The elastic cord system may not always return the ball to the optimal position for consecutive spikes, potentially interrupting the flow of practice sessions.

By weighing these pros and cons, potential you can make an informed decision on whether the Tandem Sports Spike Pal is the right training aid for your needs.

Spike Pal Video Review

Coach Donny Hui of Elevate Yourself reviews the Spike Pal in this video. He has been coaching volleyball since 2005 and has worked with athletes from from youth to senior citizen, and every skill level ranging from beginners to Division 1 Collegiate level players.  I found his content really helpful while doing reserach for this article.

5. Dynamic Spike Volleyball Training System

Again, similar to the Powernet spike trainer, the Dynamic Spike Volleyball Training System filtered itself out based on price (329.00). It also didn’t look like it held that many balls. All the pictures show no net on the basketball hoop and I don’t want to have to take that off every time my daughter wants to use it.

Again, this was easy to sort out as a “No” and I didn’t spend much more time researching it. Here are my notes on the research I did do.

Advantages

1. Versatility: The adjustable ball-holding mechanism allows users to practice spiking techniques at various heights and angles, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
2. This would give you a much more realistic game-like feel since you could see where your ball is landing.
3. No partner required: The Dynamic Spike Volleyball Training System allows players to practice spiking independently, without the need for a partner or additional assistance.

Disadvantages

1. Much like many of the other devices it primarily focuses on spiking practice and does not address other aspects of volleyball like passing, setting, and serving.
2. It is a little more challenging to assemble or disassemble than other systems that just attach to a rim.
3. Storage and portability: Due to its size the system may be less portable and require more storage space compared to other training aids.
4. Price: The Dynamic Spike Volleyball Training System may be more expensive than simpler training aids.

Why Use a Volleyball Spike Trainer?

In my case, I wanted my daughter to get a lot of repetitions and be able to practice on her own. She had made some strives on her hitting at a clinic put on by Premier Volleyball in Papillion Nebraska. I wanted her to build on that success and have an easy way to practice.

One of the main benefits of using a spike trainer is that it helps you develop proper form. With a trainer, you can practice hitting the ball at the right angle, with the right-hand position, and with the right amount of force. This is especially helpful for beginners who are still learning the basics of spiking.

Another advantage of using a spike trainer is that it allows you to practice without a partner. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find someone to practice with, or you may not have access to a volleyball court. With a trainer, you can practice your spikes anywhere, anytime, without the need for a partner or a court.

Lastly, using a spike trainer can help you increase your power and speed. By repeatedly practicing your spikes with resistance, you can build up your arm and shoulder muscles, which will translate into more powerful spikes on the court.

I ended up researching many different types of volleyball spike trainers before I settled on one that was attaches to a basketball hoop. One other trainer I came across, the Mikasa V300W-AT-TR, was also interesting. It iattaches to two poles as you see in the vidoe below and allows you to practice mre than just hitting. We didn’t have the two pole set up and I moved on.

How to Choose the Right Volleyball Spike Trainer

Consider Your Skill Level

Before choosing a volleyball spike trainer, it’s important to consider the skill level of the player. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a basic trainer that focuses on technique and form. If you’re more advanced, you may want to look for a trainer that challenges you with more complex drills and exercises.

Consider Your Goals

What are your goals for using a volleyball spike trainer? Do you want to improve your overall technique, increase your power and speed, or work on specific aspects of your game?

Depending on your goals, you may want to look for a trainer that includes specific drills and exercises to help you achieve them. For example, if you want to increase your power, you may want to look for a trainer that includes resistance bands or weighted balls.

Consider Your Budget

Volleyball spike trainers can range in price from under $20 to over $500. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a trainer.

While a more expensive trainer may offer more features and options, a basic trainer can still be effective for improving your skills. Look for a trainer that fits within your budget and offers the features you need to achieve your goals.

How to Use a Volleyball Spike Trainer

Practicing Your Approach

To use the volleyball spike trainer, start by standing a few feet away from the anchor point with your back to the trainer. Begin your approach by taking a few quick steps forward, then a larger step with your dominant foot, followed by a jump. As you jump, swing your arms back and then forward to prepare for the spike. Make sure to land on both feet with your knees bent to absorb the impact.

Practicing Your Arm Swing

As you jump, focus on your arm swing. Start with your arms back and then swing them forward in a circular motion, keeping your elbows high and your wrists firm. At the top of your jump, snap your wrist to generate maximum power and accuracy. Practice your arm swing with the trainer to improve your technique and build muscle memory.

Practicing Your Timing

Timing is crucial when it comes to spiking a volleyball. With the trainer, you can practice your timing by hitting the ball at the highest point of your jump. Make sure to watch the ball carefully and adjust your jump accordingly. With practice, you’ll be able to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and adjust your approach to make the perfect spike. Using a volleyball spike trainer can be a great way to improve your game and build your skills. By setting up the trainer, and practicing your approach, arm swing, and timing, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better volleyball player.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using a volleyball spike trainer, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to get the most out of your training. Here are some tips I found to help you get the most out of your basketball hoop volleyball spike trainer:

1. First and foremost, don’t try to hit the ball too hard. This might seem counterintuitive since the point of using a spike trainer is to improve your hitting power, but if you swing too hard, you’ll sacrifice accuracy and technique. Instead, focus on hitting the ball cleanly and with good form. The power will come naturally as you get more comfortable with the trainer.
2. Another mistake to avoid is not following through on your swing. It’s important to follow through with your arm after you make contact with the ball to ensure that you’re hitting the ball with maximum power and accuracy. If you stop your swing too soon, you’ll sacrifice both power and accuracy.
3. One more mistake to avoid is not using your whole body when you swing. Your legs, hips, and core all play a crucial role in generating power for your swing. Make sure you’re using your whole body to generate power, not just your arm.
4. Lastly, don’t neglect your footwork. Your approach to the ball is just as important as your swing. Make sure you’re taking the proper steps and getting into the right position before you swing. This will ensure that you’re hitting the ball from the right angle and with the right amount of power.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to improving your hitting with a volleyball spike trainer. Remember, it’s all about technique and accuracy, not just power.

Conclusion

I will continue to make updates on the progress of my daughter using the spike trainer and what we find found most beneficial. My hope is she gets the following benefits:

• Allows her to focus solely on her technique without worrying about where the ball was going so she can make adjustments to her form and timing, resulting in more powerful and accurate hitting.
• Able to easily set it up and take it down so it is not a barrier to practicing.
• Gives her confidence when going into her next volleyball clinic.

Overall, so far the basketball hoop volleyball spike trainer is a good investment. With consistent use, I hope she can improve her spiking and hitting technique and ace her 8th-grade tryouts next Fall. We also have an article on volleyball sleeves that you may enjoy.

Troy Wallace

Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.

Join our community of aging athletes exchanging ideas on staying healthy to "Stay On The Court" and continue participating in the sports they love

Meaningful conversations happening daily about training, recovery, and injury-specific rehabilitation as well as sport-specific discussions on playing, coaching and refereeing your favorite sport. We welcome experts and those with curious minds seeking answers.

Join The Stay On The Court Community!