Synopsis: This is a variation on the Speedball Winners idea as applied to a game with back row attacks only. The difference is that point scoring is collective and defensive intensity is highly encouraged.
Age/Skill Level: This is a game for intermediate to advanced players
Requirements: 12+ players, full court
Execution: Players are split, with half on each side. Those teams are then split into at least two groups. One group from each side starts on the court, with one of them serving to begin the rally. Once the rally plays out – back row attacking only – the losing team rotates out, with a new group from that same side serving to the winners and coming on. Points are earned for rally wins, with each side being a single team on the score board. If a team lets a ball drop without a touch, they lose all their points and go back to zero.
Variations:
- For a higher tempo game you can start each play with a coach-initiated ball.
- Depending on your numbers and training focus you can have fixed setters or not.
- Again, depending on your level of play you can loosen up the must touch the ball requirement to must make a legitimate effort.
Additional Comments:
- Playing multiple shorter games is probably better than playing one longer game. That way a single ball dropping isn’t quite so demoralizing (think being at 20 and going back to zero).
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