Shadow approach

What you need

Players

1 to 12 players

Time

5 to 8 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Tape

Ball fed by

Not needed

Space

Half a court

Setup

1. Hitters in a line on the left side of the court, a little behind the attack line.
2. Tape marks on the floor for the first step and the last two steps, angled toward the left pin.
3. Plenty of room by the net to land; no ball needed.

How it runs

Hitters line up on the left side behind the attack line and take turns running the attack approach with no ball. The first step is slow and short, the last two are quick, and both arms swing back and then up into a full jump near the net. Each hitter lands softly on both feet, then walks back around the outside to the end of the line.

Time and reps: 8 approaches each, about 20 s rest while you walk back.

Coaching points

• Start slowly: the first step sets the direction.
• Make the last two steps quick and long, right then left for a right-hander.
• Swing both arms back on the last steps and drive them up as you jump.
• Land on both feet, knees bent, without drifting into the net.

Ways to change it

• Walk the pattern first, then jog it, then run it at full speed.
• Run the approach at the net and finish with a swing.
• Add a coach toss so the approach ends with a real hit.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Walk the pattern and say the steps out loud, then jog it.

Make it harder

• Go at full speed and finish with a real jump, or add a ball toss at the end.

Terms on this page

Attack line (10-foot line)

The line about 10 feet (3 m) from the net. Back row players take off from behind it when they attack.

Pin and antenna

The pin is the end of the net where outside hitters attack, and the left pin is on your left as you face the net. The antenna is the striped rod above each sideline; the ball has to cross the net between the two.

Approach

The steps a hitter takes before jumping: a slow first step, then quicker steps into the jump.

Attack

Any hit that sends the ball at the other team, other than a serve or a block. A spike, a tip and a roll shot are all attacks.