Synopsis: This game works on hitters being more aggressive in challenging the block, which also means a focus on good hitter coverage, with additional work on serve receive and free ball attacking.
Age/Skill Level: This game is suitable for intermediate to advanced teams.
Requirements: Two teams, full court, a couple balls
Execution: This game begins with a coach-initiated ball to one team. That team must then run an outside or right side attack off a high set (no quick or faster tempo sets allowed on this first ball – and the ball must be hit, not tipped or rolled). The rally is played out from there in normal fashion (any set is permitted after the first ball). The winner of that rally earns the advantage to receive first a served ball, then a free ball. A point is awarded to the team which wins each of those rallies (not just the receiving team). The next coach-initiated ball goes to the other team. Play 8 points before rotating.
Variations:
- You could make this a wash game by forcing a team to win both the serve and free ball rallies (either just the receiving team or the either team).
- To work on weak rotations you can require a team to get 8 points before rotating (or some number of big points under a wash system).
- This could be used just as easily for small-sided games.
Additional Comments:
- The idea behind the initial high ball attack is to get players to be aggressive about attacking the block (looking for seems, going high hands, etc.). As such, players should be required to take a legitimate swing at the ball and not permitted to tip, roll, or otherwise use an off-speed shot.
- Encouraging the challenging of the block also puts a premium on hitter coverage.
- I saw this game used by UCLA.
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