Butterfly: hit and dig

What you need

Players

12 players

Time

8 to 12 min

Level

Intermediate and advanced

Equipment

Balls, Ball cart

Ball fed by

The players

Space

A full court

Setup

1. Two serving lines behind the right end of each end line, each player holding a ball. Keep two in line.
2. One passer on each side in the deep left corner, across from the opposite serving line.
3. One setter on each side at the target spot, just right of center and close to the net.
4. One hitter on each side at the left pin, a few steps off the net, ready to approach.
5. A ball cart beside each end line. Hitters collect a ball on the way to the serving line.

How it runs

A nonstop butterfly circuit with a swing in it. One player serves, a passer finds the setter, and the setter sets the left-pin hitter. The hitter attacks down the line, and the player who just served steps in to the right back and digs it up to the target. Then everyone chases their ball to the next line.

Time and reps: Run it until each player has hit and dug 3 to 4 balls.

Coaching points

• Server: after the serve, step in to the right back and get low before the hit.
• Hitter: approach on time and swing down the line.
• Digger: angle the platform to the target and lift the ball.
• Setter: shoulders square to the left pin and set high.
• Everyone: follow your ball to the next line as soon as you have played it.

Ways to change it

• Hitters tip to the short corner once in a while, so the digger has to read the arm.
• Hitters hit the angle to the deep middle and the digger moves over to take it.
• Count digs that reach the target without the setter moving.
• Start with the easier version: hitters catch the set instead of swinging (see the catch drill).

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Hitters swing at half speed, and the digger starts a step closer.

Make it harder

• The digger calls line, angle or tip before the hitter makes contact.

Terms on this page

Butterfly

A circuit where each player follows their ball to the next line, so everyone plays every spot in turn.

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.

Target spot

The spot by the net, just right of center, where the setter stands.

Platform

The flat surface your forearms make when you pass: arms straight, thumbs side by side, angled at the target.

Dig

Playing a hard-hit ball up off the floor, usually with a platform.

Setter

The player who usually takes the second contact and sets the ball to a hitter.