Gives the blocker practice at making a decision on weather to retreat off the net or stay up to block. Additionally this drill can be modified to help develop the attackers’ ability to sense where the defender is dropping.
Set up
# of players : 3-8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 4+ balls
Average duration : 15-25 minutes
Description
- The blocker lines themselves up with the attacker on the opposite side of the net.
- An athlete (or coach) at the net sets a thrown ball either close to the net or off the net for an incoming attacker.
- The blockers task in this drill it to read the set and make a decision to either block or drop off.
- The attacker then hits into the block or down the line to the athlete that has just retreated.
- You could add an additional defender into the backcourt and play out any digs made by the retreating blocker.
Evaluation :
# of good reps (ex. 5-8)
Variations
- Both sides of the net
- Switch blocker/defender and attacker
- Dropping line or cross
- Dig :
Short
Deep over the head of the retreating athlete.
Hard at the face.
Hard to the body.
Either side of the body.
Progression
- In order to develop the attackers’ ability to sense where the blocker is dropping the blocker should randomly choose to drop line or angle. An angle drop will require the additional defender to shift across to defend the line
- Attacker can hit the ball either line or angle if the ball is set close and the blocker can take out the power.
Key points
- Athletes need to understand what influences the decision to drop off.
- Factors such as the wind, the abilities of the attacker the trajectory of the set need to be taken into consideration.
- Blocker needs to have correct footwork when retreating.
- When retreating arms should be kept just below shoulder height so balls can be taken high.
- Blocker should focus on pushing over the net to penetrate and take away the hitters angle.