Encourages a pass that is ‘up and down’ and close to the individual who passed the ball which aids in the development a pass that is easier to set.
Set up
# of players : 3-8 players
Ideal : 2 players per side + 1 server
Equipment : 4+ balls
Average duration : 15-20 minutes
Description
- Athlete or coach drives a down ball or easy float serve to passer on the other side of the net.
- The passer attempts to play the ball up in the air a couple feet in front of them and spike their own ball over the net.
Passers goal is to pass the ball as close to straight up and down as possible.
Evaluation : # of good passes and spikes (ex. 5 each).
Variations
- Switch passers and servers
- Switch left and right
Progression
- Serves from the middle of the court.
- Serves from the baseline
- Add cones where the attackers need to spike into.
Key points
- Remind the athlete to move to the ball so that they are always passing the ball within the centerline of their body.
- Encourage the athletes to pass the ball high enough that they have time initiate a spike approach.
- Encourage athletes to focus on the pass first, attack second and to pass low so that if they can get to stray balls quickly