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Tip by Lisa Manis, Dickinson HS in Dickinson, TX. DS Reaction Time Drill: When working with the DS, I have my girls face away from the net in a defensive position. As they have their backs to me, I slap the ball or have them turn to face me with any command. As they turn and face me, I serve the ball to them. I usually use our ball machine and the ball is served quickly. Your DS players must react fast to the ball movement and have a good platform as they turn. I have used this with our...

Hitter Coverage: In order to improve hitter-coverage I use a drill that incorporates the full offense and use the drill at least one or two days prior to each match. You may want to use the drill more often until the team perfects it. I use three block-its and have team members hold them, and move to be in front of the set if necessary. Then I stand in the middle back of the court and toss balls for the setter who sets outside, back and middle. The setter can already be released or release on the slap of the...

Tip by Brian Filibeck, Wheatland HS in Wheatland, WY. Passing: We work on a technique called, step and close. It can be used to the right, left, front and back. A player steps in the direction they want to go and closes with the opposite foot, this way a player can cover a good radius of the court and keep their body in balance. It also helps them play the ball in their core area and make a more consistent pass to target. 

5 Keys to give your team balance and an advantage: Key #5 — Be a Self-Starter As a player you must be able to say, “I am willing to start myself.” Too many people are always waiting for someone else to get them going, as in please motivate me. You must motivate yourself, we can be inspired by others, but you will choose to be motivated. Players need to realize that they have the power to energize themselves. Energy is a choice as well as a skill that can be practiced. In order to get better at being a self-starter...

Tip by Susie Johnson, Crofton HS in Crofton, NE. Mid-Season Team Building/Pick-Me UP: Coaching kids can be very entertaining! But midway through the season when everyone is feeling exhausted, teammates can become a little irritable with each other. For a pick-me up activity get a blank piece of paper for each teammate, manager, and coach. Each teammate will need a pen for the project. Sit in a big circle. Everyone needs to write their name on the paper and pass it to the right. They need to write something positive, appropriate and encouraging about the person whose paper they are...