Attack Drill

Setup:

• The offensive players form a line at the attack line and sideline.
• 3 defensive players line up next to each other in the middle of the other side of the court.
• 3 coaches assist – one for the defensive player to return balls to, one to manage balls in and out of the ball rack, and another to throw lobs for the offensive players to practice attacking on.

Purpose:

Allows players to focus on approach steps and attacking mechanics with a live ball in a game-like situation.

Execution:

• The coach lobs a ball up for the player.
• The player takes his approach steps, jumps, and spikes the ball.
• The defense attempts to return the serve to the coach on their side of the court.
• The attacker heads to the back of the line.
• The coach next to the ball rack passes another ball to the coach tossing.
• The coach lobs the ball up for the next player in line.

Coaching Tips:

• Maintain a fast pace in the drill; the coach should regularly churn out balls, with players following almost immediately after each other.
• Players should focus on their performance, not the coach’s or previous players’ results – work on getting the correct approach steps and launch point.
• Players should plant and jump behind the coach – getting any closer can force players to shorten their arms during the attack, resulting in loss of power and leverage.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

• Emphasize the importance of arm swing: Coaches should focus on teaching younger players the correct arm swing technique during the spike. This includes leading with the elbow and snapping the wrist to generate power.
• Practice consistent footwork: Ensure that younger players develop a consistent footwork pattern for their approach. This consistency is crucial for timing and power in their jumps.
• Work on timing: Young players often struggle with timing their jump with the set. Coaches should include drills that help players learn to adjust their approach based on the set’s speed and height.

Tips for Older Athletes:

• Refine approach angle: For experienced players, coaches should work on fine-tuning the angle of approach to maximize power and options for hitting different angles.
• Focus on vision and decision-making: Train older players to observe the opposing blockers and defense as they approach to hit, improving their decision-making on where to place the ball.
• Increase explosiveness: Incorporate plyometric exercises into the drill to enhance the players’ explosiveness in their jumps, crucial for powerful attacks.