Raise body temperature in preparation for more strenuous activity and increase the athletes awareness of how current conditions affect the ball. Additionally this drill gives athletes an opportunity to get some sky-ball practice.
Set up
# of players : 1 – 10 players
Ideal : 1 player
Equipment : 1 ball per athlete
Average duration : 5-10 minutes
Description
- Athlete starts behind the service line of the court (middle of the court for younger or beginner athletes) while another athlete or coach prepares to serve a sky-ball over the net.
- As soon as the ball is struck the athlete runs through under the net to catch the ball.
Evaluation : # of repetitions (ex. 10)
Variations
- Get the athletes to sky-ball to each other
Progression
- Athlete can start on the ground in the middle of the court facing the server.
Key points
- Athletes should try to get to the other side of the court as soon as possible then look for the ball.
- Athletes should try to make a very quick initial judgment on where the ball is going off the server’s hand.
- MAKE SURE ATHLETES WATCH OUT FOR THE NET AS THEY RUN THROUGH!