Synopsis: This game features 6-v-6 play with a focus on closing an early gap, or conversely closing out a set when in the lead.

Age/Skill Level: This game is suitable for all levels.

Requirements: Two teams, full court

Execution: This starts with the score at 13-7 with the game played to 25 under standard rules.

Variations:

  • You can change the starting point and spread to adapt to your team.
  • If you want to do more focused work on serve receive offense and/or transition attack, you can have one team serve every ball.
  • This could be used just as easily for small-sided games.

Additional Comments:

  • This is one I saw USC use, though I might not have it totally right.
  • If you do have only one team serve you’ll want to allow for miss serves (but not two in a row) to encourage aggressive serving.

6 Steps to Better Practices - Free Guide

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter today and get this free guide to making your practices the best, along with loads more coaching tips and information.

No spam ever. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

John Forman
John Forman

John is currently the Talent Strategy Manager (oversees the national teams) and Indoor Performance Director for Volleyball England, as well as Global Director for Volleyball for Nation Academy. His volleyball coaching experience includes all three NCAA divisions, plus Junior College, in the US; university and club teams in the UK; professional coaching in Sweden; and both coaching and club management at the Juniors level. He's also been a visiting coach at national team, professional club, and juniors programs in several countries. Learn more on his bio page.

Please share your own ideas and opinions.