Raise body temperature in preparation for more intense activity and increase awareness of how current conditions affect the ball. Additionally this drill reinforces correct defense techniques.
Classic Drill, Favorite drill, Fun drill, Intensity : Moderate, Level : Beginner +, Mode : Competitive, Players : 2+
Set up
# of players : 2 – 8 players
Ideal : 4 players
Equipment : 1+
Average duration : 10-15 minutes
Description
- Drill starts with two athletes on either side of the net with one athlete serving underhand before moving into the court.
- Athletes are attempting to win a point by playing the ball over the net using the forearm pass. The ball can only be contacted once on each side of the net.
- If you have more than two teams you can play with a ‘challenger’ and ‘points’ side. If the team on the challenger side wins they go to the ‘points’ side to receive the next serve and chance to win a point.
The goal is to win the point by scoring on the other side using only 1 contact. No jumping allowed.
Evaluation : First to 10 points
- Groups on each side of the net play against each other in pairs or as individuals to a certain
- number of points. eg tall players on one side verses short players on the other.
- First individual or team to a certain amount of points.
- Individuals or team start on a certain number of points and loose points as they make errors.
- A player who makes a mistake is off the court and gets replaced as per weakest link.
- Return to old fashioned side out scoring for a change.
- Have a number of items on both sides of the court and when one team wins a point they get to take an item – when all items are gone from one side the game is over.
- If one team is stronger then give them a point advantage.
- First team to spell out a certain word wins.
Variations
- Switch side
- Switch left and right
- If the team on the challenger side wins they go to the ‘points’ side to receive the next serve and chance to win a point.
Progression
- Smaller court
- 2 on 2
- 1 on 1
- 1 touch only
- 2 touches allowed (2 bumps or 1 bump 1 set)
- 1 on 1 – tree touches
- Short / wide ‘voleste’ using a short / wide court.
- Narrow / long ‘voleste’ using a narrow / long court
- Cross court ‘voleste’ where the athletes play from one side of the court to the other.
- Athletes need to drop to the ground between each contact they make with the ball.
- Athletes can run around the net after each play.
Key points
- Athletes need to stay very low and be activated and ready to move as the opposition is about to contact the ball.
- Athletes should be encouraged to watch the athlete not the ball.
- Athletes should be reminded that they should think strategically about where they are placing the ball, looking to play the ball away from the opposition.