Purpose

To allow players to scrimmage while removing the challenges of serving and difficult serve receive.

Setup

  • Position players on both sides of the net as if starting a regular scrimmage.

How it works

  • The players scrimmage with one key difference.
  • Instead of serving, the coach stands near the net with a basket of balls and alternates tossing the balls into play on each side of the net.
  • Score points as usual except that no points are awarded for a ball that isn’t returned over the net. This slows the scoring and gets players excited when their team is able to return the ball. The first team to 15 (or 25) wins.

Notes

  • A tossed ball is usually easier to return than a served ball, so this helps build confidence in new players.
  • This drill rewards players for returning the ball, but doesn’t penalized them when they are unable to do so.