Serve – Free Ball – Down ball

This game helps to develop endurance, as it is physically demanding.

Set up

# of players : 4-8 players
Ideal : 4 players
Equipment : 3 balls +
Average duration : 15-25 minutes

Description

  • There are a number of different ways this game can be run depending on the objectives of the coach and the balance of skills between the teams.
  • This ‘game like drill’ starts with a serve and normal rally.
  • Then one option is to have the team that just won the rally receive a free ball to play out then receive a down ball to play out.
  • If the team wins 3 from 3 they get a big point.
  • If teams split the score 2:1 or 1:2 then it is a wash.
  • After one set of 3 balls, service could either go to the opposite team or you could choose to have the team winning 2 out of 3 choosing to serve or receive.
  • If a team does not manage to win any of the 3 rallies the opposition should also get a big point.

Variations

  • Switch teams
  • Switch sides

Progression

  • You could play a set of 5 balls.
  • Missed serves not counting will make it more difficult to win a big point.

Key points

  • Athletes must focus on one play at a time.
  • When you are tired you must really focus on your technique otherwise errors will creep in.
  • Get athletes to evaluate how their strategy on offense may change when the opposition is tired verses fresh.

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