Purpose

For novice players to practice hitting a ball over the net in an attack.

Setup

  • Have players stand in a single file line just behind the 10ft line.
  • The coach stands near the net with a basket of balls.

How it works

  1. The coach holds a ball at an adequate height for players to hit. The coach can stand on a box, if necessary, to get the ball high enough.
  2. One by one, each player approaches and hits the ball out of the coach’s hand over the net.
  3. The player then shags their ball and places it back in the basket before returning to the back of the line.

Coaching Tips

  • This drill is helpful when players are not yet ready to hit a set ball or when players are struggling to hit the ball hard enough to get across the net.
  • Coaches will need to hold the ball at different heights for players who are tall versus short.
  • If players are struggling to hit the ball hard enough to get over the net, hold the ball more tightly and encourage them to swing harder until they hit the ball out of the coach’s hand.