Synopsis: This is a good game-play exercise that gets every player lots of touches and works especially on transition hitting.
Age/Skill Level: This is a drill for intermediate and higher levels.
Requirements: 6+ players, a ball, a net, extra antennae
Execution: Attach the spare antennae to the net to create a channel for attacking in Zones 2 and 4 (similar to what’s discussed here). Place three players to a side, with one at the net in Zone 2 (opponent’s Zone 4), one as the OH, and one as back court defender. One side starts the attack with a set to 4. The opposing player at the net blocks line, so the two others defend the angle. If the back court player digs the ball, the blocker sets the OH in Zone 4. If the OH digs the ball, the back court player sets the blocker in Zone 2, in which case the OH hitter on the other side blocks and the other two play defense. In this case the pattern is same in that if the front court player digs the ball, the back court defender sets the blocker, otherwise the blocker sets the OH. In other words, every player touches the ball each play. Continue until the ball goes dead, then the players rotate.
Variations:
- This can be done cooperatively to encourage longer rallies.
- The antennae can be adjusted to alter what the hitters have available to swing at around the block.
Additional Comments:
- This drill is from England Junior National team coach Bertrand Olie and was posted as part of an interview with him on the Volleyball England website.
- As a cooperative drill this could be used as a warm-up.
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