Continuous Block and Dig Solo Drill

By: Eric Viney, 17 Lightning Head Coach - Arizona Storm Elite Volleyball Club (AZ)

Formerly the Head Coach at Dakota Wesleyan University

Provided by: The American Volleyball Coaches Association

Number of Players: 3-5 players in drill, more to shag balls

Equipment Needed: Steady supply of balls

Objective: Conditioning drill that puts a front row player in a situation to read a hitter to block and then read a different hitter to dig.

Directions:

• The drill starts with a single LF or RF player on one side of the net. A setter (or coach to toss) and 2 hitters (LF & RF) at least on the attacking side of the net. A passer can be used to pass free balls to the setter.
• The drill begins with either a tossed or passed ball to the setter. The setter chooses to set either the LF or RF attacker. The solo player on the other side of the net must either block or dig the opposing side attack depending on if the ball was set to their area of the net or opposite. Attackers should not tip and limit roll shots.
• To get out of the drill the solo player must get 3 good results in a row - either Block, Dig, Block or Dig, Block, Dig. Put a time limit to accomplish the drill between 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Give a punishment for not completing the drill in the set amount of time. Keep track of hitting errors for attacking side and give a certain punishment for them at end of the drill.

Variations:

• Increase the amount of consecutive results the player must get.
• Increase the amount of time above 1 minute for more conditioning.

Notes:

• Attackers hitting against the block can hit to any area of the court, however attackers opposite the solo player must hit the cut/angle shot.
• This is also a very good drill to teach hitters how to hit sharp cut/angle shots.
• Keep the drill fast paced for the conditioning aspect. As soon as ball is blocked, dug, or killed to the floor, begin to toss the next ball to the passer or setter.