Back/High Set – Off Speed

Purpose: 

To teach your players how to adjust to a team that is attacking with off speed shots off the back set. 

Setup: 

Have 6 players line up in base position on the court.
You will also need a sturdy box, a ball cart, and an assistant coach or 2. 

Instructions: 

1. The first step is to have our left back (6) and right blocker (2) read the position of the left blocker (4) as they set the block. 
2. If the block is set so that the down the line shot is not available, the left back (6) will come up behind the block and look to dig a tip or off-speed shot. 
3. If the block is set so that the down the line shot is available, the left back will stay where they are and the right blocker (2) will come over to play the tip. 

Coaching Tips:

• We can also make the adjustment to have our right blocker rotate early and play the tip every time instead of making a read with the right back if we are having trouble with the off speed shot.. This makes it easier to defend the off-speed shot, but has the downside of giving up the short hard angle shot. 

Tips for Younger Athletes:

• At a younger age, the ability to read the play can be a bit challenging. Start by teaching them the basics of a back set and what an off-speed shot looks like. Breaking the play down into smaller chunks can be beneficial. For instance, focus first on recognizing the back set, then on identifying off-speed shots.
• Younger athletes may have a tendency to forget their positions during fast-paced drills. Use visual aids like markers or cones to delineate where they should stand and move during the drill. This can provide a clear, visual representation of their responsibilities.
• The key to mastering any skill is repetition. It’s crucial to let younger players run through the drill multiple times to grasp the movement, positioning, and reads correctly. Emphasize on getting the basics right before diving into advanced adjustments.

Tips for Older Athletes:

• Encourage older athletes to pay close attention to the setter’s body language and hand position. Advanced players should be able to anticipate the type of set and adjust their positioning even before the ball leaves the setter’s hands.
• Off-speed shots require rapid reactions. Conduct drills where the pace is varied, and older athletes have to quickly decide whether to stay back for a powerful shot or move forward for a tip. This enhances their agility and decision-making capabilities.
• While the drill emphasizes adjusting to off-speed shots, older athletes should also practice scenarios where they have to quickly transition from defending an off-speed shot to a full-power spike. This ensures they remain versatile and ready for any attack.