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Purpose: 

To teach your defense how to deal with a back slide attack by the offense out of the rotation defense. 

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. 

By focusing on the positioning and responsibilities of each player on the court, this drill instructs players on how to best defend against the back slide attack using a rotation-style defense.

Instructions: 

  1. In the rotation defense, the players will  do just that and rotate against the back slide. 
  2. The left back (6) will move to the left of the left blocker (4) and play for the tip. 
  3. The middle back (5) will slide over to the left corner. 
  4. The right back (1) will drop back to the right corner. 
  5. The right blocker will drop back off the net just behind the attack line and take away any hard angle balls.

Coaching Tips: 

With the setter playing so deep in this formation, we need to make sure we are passing the ball as high as we can to give them enough time to get up to the net and set the ball. 

  • Teach players to constantly be aware of their position in relation to the ball, the net, and other players, crucial in effectively responding to a back slide attack.
  • Emphasize quick transitions during the rotation, with players moving swiftly and decisively to their new positions to maintain a solid defense.
  • Encourage players to read the offensive setup and anticipate potential attacks, as recognizing a back slide early can provide a significant defensive advantage.

For Younger Athletes:

  • Focus on fundamental skills like proper footwork, quick reaction time, and clear communication essential for effective rotation.
  • Break down the drill into simpler components, starting with basic rotation movements before integrating defensive strategies against back slides.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage effort and improvement, praising quick movements, accurate positioning, and effective communication.

For Older Athletes:

  1. Introduce more complex defensive strategies, teaching how to adjust rotation based on the hitter’s approach and the setter’s position.
  2. Incorporate exercises to improve speed and agility, crucial for moving quickly and efficiently against fast-paced offensive attacks.
  3. Use real-game scenarios to practice rotation defense against back slides, helping players understand how to apply these strategies in match situations.
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