Develops the ability of an athlete to defend the hard driven ball and chase down the soft line shot.
Classic Drill, Favorite drill, Intensity : High, Level : Intermediate +, Mode : Repetition, Players 3+
Set up
# of players : 3-8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 3+balls
Average duration : 15-40 minutes
Description
- In this drill an athlete attacks either a hard angle spike or a soft line shot after being set up by an athlete or coach at the net.
- The defender prepares to dig the hard angle spike or chase down the line.
- The dug ball could either be caught or played out by the blocker.
- After catching the ball analysis of the quality of the dig can be made as well as the positioning of the blocker in preparation for the set.
- If you have 4 athletes they could play out a rally after the ball has been dug.
- *The blocker can use this drill as an opportunity to learn when the attacker is playing the soft shot and try to reach up with one arm to get a touch.
Evaluation :
# of reps (ex. 3 sets of 4-6)
Variations
- Rotate between players
- Left and right
Progression
- Ball can be played out after the dig is made.
- Increasing the number of reps in a row that the defender needs to play out will introduce a fitness element to the drill.
- Having the defender serve a ball before coming in to defend will create a more game like situation.
- The defender could practice making a juke to the line before the ball is hit.
Key points
- The defender should attempt to cultivate a relaxed but alert state as tense body will be slow to react.
- The defender should watch the body language of the attacker to gain clues as to where the ball will be hit.