Butterfly: serve, pass, set, catch

What you need

Players

10 to 12 players

Time

8 to 12 min

Level

Beginner and intermediate

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 for both sides of the net. One player serves, a passer finds the setter, and the setter sets the left-pin hitter, who catches it at the net. Then everyone chases their ball to the next line, so each player serves, passes, sets and hits in turn.

Time and reps: Run it until each player has passed 6 to 8 good balls.

Coaching points

• Serve with a firm wrist and aim at the passer.
• Passers angle the platform to the target before the ball arrives.
• Setters square their shoulders to the left pin and set high.
• Hitters start behind the pin, approach, and catch the ball high at the net.
• Follow your ball: run to the next line as soon as you have played it.

Ways to change it

• Hitters swing instead of catching, and the original server digs it (see the hit and dig drill).
• Setters catch the pass instead of setting for younger groups.
• Score a point for every pass that reaches the setter without a step.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Serve underhand from closer in, and let setters catch the pass.

Make it harder

• Serve overhand from the end line, and make the setter set a hittable ball every time.

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.

Setter

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

Approach

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