Purpose
This activity helps front row players understand playing balls close to the net and helps all players understand how to cover tips.
Setup
- Position 6 players on each side of the net. Have players transition to their standard post-serve receive positions (middle, OH, etc.)
- Coach stands at net with a ball
How it works
- Coach moves to a location on the net (middle, right, or left), slaps the ball, tosses the ball up close to the net, and then backs off the court
- The closest front row players on each side attempt to tip, hit, or block the ball to the other side
- All other players should converge to cover if the ball drops on their side
- Players can then play the point out.
- After 5-6 balls, rotate and repeat
Coaching Tips
- Emphasize the importance of tight coverage for tips.
- Coach can sometimes intentionally toss balls so they land on one side of the net to force the other side to play defense.