The influence of space on training effects
Playing space has a meaningful influence on the sorts of training effects you can expect to get from your games and drills. Use it wisely.
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3v3
Game: 2 v 2 side switch
This fast-paced game features a lot of player movement and encourages communication and problem-solving. It's good for warm-ups or regular game play work.
Game: Dig or Die Back Row Speedball
This is a variation on the Speedball Winners game concept which puts a greater emphasis on aggressive defense, which can raise intensity levels.
A 1-hour practice plan
One day in practice we had an hour, half of which we wanted to devote to 6 v 6 game play. Here's the practice plan we developed.
Drill: 3 v 3 All-Touch Transition & Attack
This is a good small-sided game-play exercise that gets every player lots of touches and works especially on transition hitting.
Game: 2 vs. 2 with a Player Net
Here's a small-sided volleyball game you can play when you don't have a net. Potentially good for warm-ups, try-outs, or when you have large numbers of players.
Game: Bonus Point Bingo
This bonus point oriented game is good for focusing on key developmental areas with lots of potential for varying the complexity and challenge level.
Drill: 6-player Over-the-Net Pepper
This pepper variation expands on the over-the-net version to allow for more players to be included, potentially allowing for increased complexity.
Game: Speedball Winners
This volleyball game is a variation in Winners (a.k.a. King/Queen/Monarch of the Court) which reduces time between rallies to maximize contacts.