Competitive Multi-Player Drill: Waves

By: Teri Clemens and Jenny McDowell

Originally Published in: The Volleyball Drill Book

Provided by: Human Kinetics

This is an effective introductory-level or higher competitive drill.

Purpose

To allow players to get in many repetitions by competing in position and working cooperatively with other players.

Setup

The coach divides the team into groups of three based on position: for example, an outside hitter, a middle hitter, and a setter or opposite hitter. Four groups of three players begin on the court, two groups on each side of the net. The outside hitters serve as the scorekeepers. Extra groups wait on the end line on side B. A coach is on the sideline with a cart of balls.

Run the Drill

1. The coach enters the ball to either side.
2. The two groups on each side of the net play as a team.
3. Teams rally until the ball is dead. Both groups of players on the winning side score a point.
4. The coach enters a second ball to the other side. Again teams rally until the ball is dead, and both groups on the winning side score a point.
5. After two rallies in the same position (a ball initiated to each side), all groups "wave" through the court to a new position by advancing toward the end line on side A. A new group enters in the back row on side B, the back row on side B becomes the front row, the front row from side B moves to the front row on side A, and the front row from side A takes the back row. The group from the back row of side A leaves the court and goes to the end of the line at the side B end line.
6. Play continues until a group of three wins 15 points.

Coaching Points

• Insist on fast-paced transitions between the drill. If players do not switch quickly, enter the ball anyway to force players to get into position quickly
• Evaluate players in the same position as they work their way through the court. Watch to see how well players adjust to working with a new group.

Variation

Some competitive groups might not help a group with 14 points to win the final point. Rather than insist they help, give the group of three with 14 points the option of playing alone on the court for the final point.