Synopsis: This coach-initiated game is good for working on a variety of out-of-system type situations.

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

Requirements: 2 teams, full court, several balls

Execution: This is a coach-initiated game. Each rally begins with the coach playing a ball to one side. The rally goes on per usual from there. When the rally ends, a new ball is immediately initiated.

Variations:

  • Russ Rose at Penn State uses a variation in which he puts in 4 balls – with the ball going to either side – then has both sides rotate.
  • The balls can be initiated all to one side for some given period of time (30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.)
  • Score can be kept to make it a proper game that finishes with a specific objective being met.
  • This is suitable for small-sided play.

Additional Comments:

  • You can use this game to focus on certain aspects of the game that your players struggle with – balls off the court, balls in the net, etc.
  • To encourage full commitment to keeping the ball off the floor you can do something like adding time or extra balls if a team lets a ball drop without sufficient effort.
  • If you make the ball you initiate the first contact – meaning the players must get the ball over the net in only 2 contacts – you will have something akin to the Virus game.

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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.

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