The objective of this drill is for athletes to develop an understanding of the idea that partners move together to cover the court, and that it is important that you are aware of where your partner is at all times.
Set up
# of players : 3-8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 3+balls
Average duration : 15-25 minutes
Description
- The athlete or coach stands in the middle of the court at the net on the same side as the athletes who are in passing position.
- The ‘trainer’ who is running the drill then points to any one of the 4 corners of the court or middle back or middle front.
- The pair move together to towards the spots indicated by the ‘trainer’ a certain number of times (perhaps 4 or 5) before a free ball is introduced for them to play out.
- Sometimes it is beneficial initially to place elastic around the waists of the athletes to highlight this concept of ‘moving together’.
Evaluation :
# of reps (ex. 3 sets of 4-6)
Variations
- Rotate between players
- Left and right
Progression
- Run the drill from the opposite side of the net and change the ‘free ball’ from a tossed ball to a down ball or spike.
- Increase the number of moves required before introducing the free ball.
Key points
- When moving backwards it is vital that the athletes maintain eye contact with the ‘trainer
- Athletes need to maintain a distance of about 8 feet from each other during movements.
- Movements need to be performed with 100% intensity and speed.