Developing the attackers’ ability to either hit or shoot the ball away from defenders.
Classic Drill, Favorite drill, Intensity : High, Level : Intermediate +, Mode : Competitive, Players 3+
Set up
# of players : 2-8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 4+ balls
Average duration : 15-25 minutes
Description
- The drill is initiating by either a coach or athlete throwing (or serving) the ball into the court to two receiving players.
- The defender who is initially positioned in the centre of the court moves left or right directly after ball is set.
- The athlete attacking the ball focuses on trying to take a quick look at the defender before jumping and attempts to play the ball away from them.
- If the player does not have time to take a look at the defender then they should try to sense where the defender is in order to play the ball away from them.
- Lines can be drawn in the sand (examples in red) designating areas that the ball should be played into and points can be given out for successful shot
Evaluation :
Scoring game
The attacking team would get a point if they managed to play the ball into the area that the defenders moved away from.
There are several options on how this drill could run.
Teams could gain points after alternating on each attack or a rally could be played out after each ball is introduced
Variations
- Rotate between players.
- Switch side.
- Left and right
Progression
- Reduce the size of the hitting zones.
- The defensive player can wait a little longer before moving to make it more difficult for the attacker.
Key points
- Although this is an attacking drill, athletes need to be aware that making a good pass is vital to creating a situation in which it is easy to observe the defensive players movement.
- If the pass is not perfect beginner athletes may need to be reminded to ‘follow the ball’ in order to get a straighter approach on the spike, allow them in turn to see the defender better.