Hard line defense behind a block

The objective of this drill is for the defense to
become comfortable moving from their initial
defensive position to the line to make a play.

Set up

# of players : 3-8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 3+balls
Average duration : 15-40 minutes

An athlete or coach attacks the ball past the angle blocker down the line.
The defender starts in the middle of the court (or behind the block, depending on what they prefer) and as the block makes a move to cover the angle the defender moves to the line.
The defender then makes a defensive dig and plays out.
Initially the attacker should play a consistent shot down the line until the defender is comfortable moving across to get the dig.

Once the defender has mastered this movement pattern the attacker can switch up short and deep line shots.
The defender could practice making a juke to the angle before the ball is hit.
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 should attempt to cultivate a relaxed but alert state as tense body will be slow to react.
The defender should attempt to reduce head movement while moving into the line as additional head movement will make it more difficult to judge the distance and speed of the incoming ball.
Timing of the move to the line is important. Moving to early will give the strategy away and moving too late will decrease the defenders chance of digging a hard driven ball.