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Purpose:

To encourage and train players to get the ball low on defense and make a good solid first pass on defense

What You Need:

  • Create three lines of players on the service line
  • The coach and a Target will be at the net

How It Works:

  1. The first players in front of each line will step forward and lay on their stomachs
  2. On the ball slap, the coach will bounce the ball towards the players
  3. They need to get up, stay low, and try to pass the ball to the Target
  4. Each player will go to the back of the line and new players will start
  5. Complete this drill so that every player gets the chance to attempt a pass at least 3-5 times

Results & Tips:

  • Players can start moving once they hear the ball slap
  • Bouncing the ball instead of tossing it ensures that the ball will stay low and requires that your players stay low to pass it properly
  • This is going to help your players when they need to scoop the ball from missed hits, tips and back-court pushes
  • Emphasize the importance of quick reactions, with players focusing on getting up from a prone position as swiftly as possible once they hear the ball slap.
  • Teach players to keep their bodies low with knees bent and shoulders forward, even as they rise from the ground, to be in the best position to pass.
  • Instruct players on proper hand placement for passing, ensuring fingers and thumbs form a platform and arms are straight and angled towards the target.

For Younger Athletes:

  • Focus on basic movement skills, like transitioning from lying down to standing up quickly and efficiently.
  • Initially have younger players start from a kneeling or squatting position before progressing to lying down, making it easier for them to get up.
  • Use positive reinforcement, encouraging effort and praising younger players for quick movements and any successful passes, regardless of accuracy.

For Older Athletes:

  • Increase the speed of the drill for older, more experienced players, by bouncing the ball faster or having them start from a fully prone position further from the net.
  • Challenge older players to aim not only to pass the ball to the target but to hit a specific area or height, enhancing their precision and control.
  • Introduce variations such as different angles of passes or require players to make a specific type of pass, adding complexity to the drill.
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