Here’s a drill that’s similar to ones I’ve seen before.
I’ve certainly used the “touch the ball” exercises in the past, as so many coaches have or do. I’m not sure what value the hoops add here. The ball is inside the hoop, so if the player is attempting to touch the ball, then they will block inside the hoop.
Somebody actually asked about that in the comments, but I can’t see the posted reply to know if it’s explained.
While I definitely appreciate work on players reach across with penetration, I have a problem with this specific approach. Watch the players hands. In touching the ball they essentially point their fingers straight. That is not something we want. Good way to break fingers!
How can we correct that? How about requiring ball contact with the heel of the hand with fingers pointed up?
Also, touching balls that in some cases are barely above the height of the net creates another issue. We want height plus penetration. These blocks are too low. Raise the balls up to a more realistic height of attack.
I might use a drill like this to help players get the concept of penetration, but that’s about it. I wouldn’t use it more than once because it is entirely devoid of any blocking visual cues to timing elements.
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