Tip by Kerri Molitor in Oak Harbor, WA.
"Volley-Poker"
When playing 6v6 scrimmages, I like to add emphasis on different parts of the game. My teams love to "scrimmage". They like to compete and play the "whole game".
In this scrimmage version, Coaches choose the teams, and what emphasis they want to work on. Whatever the emphasis, players will earn cards from a regular deck by completing tasks.
For example, if the emphasis is on Blocking, then teams will be awarded a card for every block they complete. Or they could get a bonus card for a Stuff Block. If the emphasis is on Serving and Serve Receive, then cards can be awarded for perfect passing, or for Aces. If the emphasis is on offensive strategies, they could get bonus cards for scoring on a line shot, or an off-speed shot, etc... Setters could earn the cards by fooling the blockers on the other side, team can earn cards for consecutive serving points, *the coach determines what the team needs as a focus for this drill...
The game begins at 0-0, and is played like a regular scrimmage with rally scoring. After a set amount of time, or at a certain score, teams will check the cards they have earned. They will be able to put together their best Poker Hand using the cards they have earned. The more cards a team has earned, the better the chances of creating a Winning Hand!
The team with the "Winning Poker Hand" will receive 5 additional points to their scrimmage score. (they cannot win the game using the 5 points) If it puts them at the end of the game, they will immediately go to game point, and have the serve to finish the game. They will have to play to win the scrimmage outright.
*An additional version includes taking cards away from the teams when they have Unforced Errors
Switch sides, switch teams, switch the emphasis...Coaches can manipulate this game to serve the team's needs.
It's a great way to let them play, while controlling the focus of the practice.