6 on 6 Drill

Setup:

Purpose:

Similar to 3 on 3 tactics, we bring in full court of defenders. The emphasis is again on staying in base position and reading the ball from there.

Execution:

Coach will lob a serve to the offense, who will then try to pass to the setter and get a 1st kill
The defense will then have to return the pass, attempting to continue the rally
The drill will continue with the lob coming into the offense and the defense rallying – if the defense can get 3 points in a row they win the drill

Coaching Tips:

This is a tough drill on the defense, because the offense will almost always be coming out of their offense
The defensive focus is making proper defensive moves, whereas the offense is working on getting that 1st kill
See if outside hitters are facing angle or facing line
Make sure your front row is getting back to their base position behind the 3 meter lane

For Younger Athletes:

Simplify instructions: Keep the instructions simple and clear for younger athletes to follow easily.
Focus on fundamental skills: Emphasize basic skills such as passing, setting, and hitting for younger athletes, ensuring they have a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced tactics.
Encourage communication: Teach younger players the importance of communication on the court, including calling for the ball, defensive assignments, and supporting teammates during rallies.

For Older Athletes:

Fine-tune defensive techniques: Challenge older athletes to fine-tune their defensive techniques, including proper footwork, positioning, and reading the hitter’s tendencies to anticipate the play effectively.
Develop strategic thinking: Encourage older players to think strategically during the drill, analyzing the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to adjust their defensive strategy accordingly.
Focus on efficient transitions: Reinforce the importance of quick and efficient transitions between offense and defense, ensuring players are ready to react and adapt to changing game situations without hesitation.