Team Defensive Movement – Defensive Transition Drill

By: Teri Clemens and Jenny McDowell

Originally Published in: The Volleyball Drill Book

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Purpose

To work on defensive transition as a team.

Setup

Six defenders set up on side B. A setter is in zone 6 at the net on side A, and two target players are on each side of the setter in zones 1 and 9. A passer is in the middle-back position. A coach is on the sideline with a cart of balls.

Run the Drill

1. The coach tosses a ball to the passer on side A.
2. The passer on side A passes to the setter on side A, who either back-sets or front-sets the ball.
3. The defense on side B transitions from base to defense, according to the location of the set. For example, if the set goes to the target in the left front position, then the defense transitions to defend that set.
4. The target sets the ball back to the passer, who passes the ball to the setter.
5. Play continues until the designated number of transitions has been completed.

Coaching Points

• Make sure the defense waits until the set is made to move to defensive positions. Do not let them cheat and leave early.
• In this drill, the defenders should work very hard. Give them consistent feedback on where they should be.
• Change out the middle blocker every three to five balls.

Variation

Move the setter to zone 9 at the net and use a middle hitter.