Gives athletes a number of repetitions of the basic techniques for playing the soft shot above the head.
Set up
# of players : 2-8 players
Ideal : 2 players
Equipment : 1+ ball per pair
Average duration : 10-15 minutes
Description
- In this drill athletes pair up and practice playing the ball above the head using a number of different techniques.
Evaluation :
# of good reps (ex. 8-10)
Variations
- One hand over fist (ball is played on the base of the hand)
- Prayer shot (palms placed together in a prayer fashion – ball is played on the base of the hand)
- Knuckle (ball is played on the 2nd to last knuckles of the 1st and 2nd fingers)
Progression
- Have athletes retreating back from each other before playing the ball.
- After each play of the ball the athlete can call out which technique they would like their partner to use on the next play.
Key points
- When using the ‘hand over fist method’ athletes must take care not to over play the ball as the hands can create a significant amount of force in this position.
- Athletes should focus on keeping the elbows forward when using the first two methods to ensure the ball travels up rather than forward.
- The knuckle is most effective when playing balls to the side of the body or when playing balls that are too high to be played with both hands.