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Setup:

  • 6 players will start on the court, 3 on each side.
  • The rest of the players will form a line on the baseline.
  • 2 coaches, 1 on each side of the court where the baseline and sideline meet, with a ball rack.

Purpose:

A drill that allows players to work on both technique and timing when it comes to setting and attacking the defense.

Execution:

  • The coach begins by lobbing a ball to the passer, player #2 in figure 1.
  • The passer will pass the ball to the setter.
  • The setter performs a back set, and player #2 catches the ball and goes to the back of the line.
  • Player #1 slides into player #2’s old spot, and a player from the front of the line takes player #1’s old spot, and the drill continues like so.

Coaching Tips:

  • The drill should be broken down into 4 three-minute sections, each with a specific fundamental focus.
  • For the 1st part, the focus will be on passers finding their perfect spot on their midline for the ball.
  • In the 2nd part, we’re going to move the coach over to the other sideline and have him toss balls in from there, presenting a down the line type serve the players must defend.
  • The focus for the 2nd part of the drill is having players get the platform out early – before the ball even crosses the net.
  • For the 3rd part, we will move the passer back to his original spot, but move the passers to the other side of the court. This will allow the setter to now work on setting forward, with our passers focused on maintaining a good wide base and athletic position through the pass.
  • For the 4th and final part of this drill, we will move the passer once again, with our single focus being on players keeping their hips high, and the platform out with their shoulders over the hips, focusing on driving the ball to the setter rather than a floaty.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

  • Stress the importance of consistent ball contact. Teach them to use the same part of their arms each time for passing, which will lead to more consistent passes.
  • Encourage them to always be on their toes, ready to move. This will help them react quicker to the ball and improve their overall agility during the drill.
  • Focus on the basics of a good pass. Ensure they understand how to angle their platform towards the target and control the ball’s trajectory with their platform angle.

Tips for Older Athletes:

  • Integrate dynamic footwork exercises. Have players practice quickly adjusting their feet to get in the optimal position for each pass, enhancing their ability to handle difficult sets.
  • Work on advanced ball control. Challenge them to not only pass accurately but to also control the speed and height of their passes based on the game situation.
  • Emphasize the mental aspect of the game. Encourage players to predict the setter’s moves and the trajectory of the ball, helping them improve their anticipation skills and decision-making during fast-paced plays.
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