React early to short and deep serves and get practice in the movement patters associated with receiving serves that are placed short and deep.
Set up
# of players : 2 – 8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 5+
Average duration : 15-20 minutes
Description
- The coach or athletes on the service line give short or deep serves to the passers.
- In order for this drill to be effective servers need to be able to serve a ball short and deep consistently.
- If this is not the case the coach may have to step in and serve or throw, either from the baseline or mid court.
Passers goal is to pass the ball as close to straight up and down as possible.
Evaluation : # reps (8-10) or # of good passes (5 points )
Variations
- Switch servers and passers
- Switch sides
Progression
- Easy balls or serves
- Tougher serves
- Catcher can be removed and balls can be played out
Key points
- The athletes ready position on service receive needs to be with center of gravity in the middle (allowing quick forward and backward movement) and with one foot slightly in front of the other.
- The athletes should be encouraged to read the ball as early as possible off the servers hand.
- If this is done with beginner athletes, they may need to be reminded to move with the hands apart.
- When moving forward to pass the short serve the passer should be aware of foot positioning.