Tip by Tammy Swearingen, Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
When working with younger players who struggle to keep their platform away from their body, we put a backpack on them with the pouch on the front of them. I place a ball in the pouch so it protrudes and forces the young players to keep their platform away from their body. It has proven to be a helpful tool to get them the feel of creating space between their platform and their body when passing.
Rotating 6’s Drill.
This is a fun, competitive drill that allows the players to play in every position on the court front row and back.
6 players on either sides. If there are any subs, they come onto the court in the 1 position when the girls rotate and the player in the 2 position comes off and gets in line to come back on.
A coach puts in alternating free balls to initiate the rally
The setter comes from the front row out of the 2 position, so there is a middle and outside hitter in the front row with 3 back row defenders.
Whenever a side of 6 sends the ball over the net, they rotate like they would in a game one position. Regardless of if they keep the ball in play or not. When the ball goes over the net, that side rotates.
Ideally, we would like to emphasise 3 touches, but the players must be ready for the ball to come over on one or two, and rotate quickly, getting to their new position.
We usually play a best of 3 match to 25 with no cap, but you can decide how you want to keep score. The girls love this an early drill warm up and it’s fun.