Butterfly Passing Drill

Originally Published in: Volleyball Steps to Success

Provided by: Human Kinetics

The butterfly drill is a serving and passing drill in which you follow the ball that you just contacted. Six players (three on each side) are required for this full-court drill, but it can accommodate as many as 24. Players are located on both sides of the net, with a server at the serving line in zone 1, the target at the net, and the passer in zone 5. Both sides serve the ball at the same time to the passer on the opposite side of the net (figure 2.8). The passers pass to the target, and the target catches the pass before it hits the floor. The target takes the ball and becomes the next server. The server follows the serve and becomes the next passer on the opposite side of the net, and the passer becomes the next target. The objective of this drill is to achieve 30 passes to target in 3 minutes.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Require serves to be lower than the antenna.

• Require the target to catch the ball above her head.

• Subtract a pass for every serve that lands in the court untouched.

• Add a pass to the goal for any missed serve.

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Remove the time constraint.

• Count every pass regardless of quality.

• Do not assess a penalty for missed serves.

Success Check

• Get in ready position before serve.

• Use the step-hop footwork to achieve balance.

• Extend your platform directly behind the ball's path.

• Hold your contact position without swinging your arms.

Score Your Success

30 passes or more in 3 minutes = 10 points

15 to 29 passes in 3 minutes = 5 points

Fewer than 15 passes in 3 minutes = 1 point