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Purpose: 

To teach your players how to adjust and defend when the offense attempts a back slide attack. 

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. 

This drill teaches players how to defend against a back slide attack, focusing on the positioning and movements of the blockers and backcourt players to counter the offensive strategy.

Instructions: 

  1. This rotation is similar to the defense for a back/high set. 
  2. The left blocker (4) will get in position to set the block, and the middle blocker will attempt to get over to help. 
  3. The right back (1) will move back a step or two to take away the angle. 
  4. The right blocker will move inside and off the net, taking away the hard angle or the short ball.

Coaching Tips: 

The goal of the back slide is to spread the blockers out and create seams. The middle blocker must move quickly and try to help the left blocker at the net, and the rest of the defense must slide over quickly to avoid being caught out of position. 

Tips for Younger Athletes:

  1. Before diving into specific defensive positioning for the back slide, ensure that younger players understand the basic blocking and positioning techniques. This will provide a solid foundation as they progress.
  2. Teach the players to read the setter’s hands and the hitter’s approach. Recognizing these cues early can give them an advantage in getting into the right position.
  3. Emphasize the importance of quick shuffle steps. Have players practice quick lateral movements to get into position efficiently without crossing their feet.

Tips for Older Athletes:

  1. With experience, players should develop the ability to anticipate the opponent’s next move. Encourage them to study the offense’s patterns and tendencies to be one step ahead.
  2. Introduce more advanced techniques like swing blocking or dive blocking, which can be more effective against experienced hitters.
  3. Older players should be able to adapt quickly to different roles on the court. Encourage them to understand not just their position, but also the roles of their teammates. This can aid in quicker adaptations during live game situations.
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