Coach on a box: dig to target

What you need

Players

3 to 8 players

Time

5 to 8 min

Level

Intermediate and advanced

Equipment

Balls, Ball cart, Coach box, Target

Ball fed by

The coach

Space

A full court

Setup

1. Coach on a box on the far side, just behind the net on the left as the far team sees it, with a cart of balls beside the box.
2. Defenders in a line on the near side, starting in the back left of the court and facing the coach.
3. A target player at the setter's spot near the net, catching the digs.

How it runs

The coach stands on a box across the net and hits down at a line of defenders, the way an opposing outside hitter would. Each defender takes three balls in a row, digging each one up to a target player by the net, then jogs to the back of the line.

Time and reps: 3 digs per turn, 3 to 4 turns each.

Coaching points

• Be balanced and still, low and wide, as the coach makes contact.
• Read the coach's shoulder and arm to start moving early.
• Angle the platform toward the target and lift the ball.
• Dig high and to the middle of the court so the setter has time.

Ways to change it

• The coach mixes in tips so defenders have to move forward.
• Add a second defender and make them call the ball.
• Count digs that land on the target mat and play to a team goal.

Terms on this page

Outside hitter

The attacker who hits from the left side of the net.

Platform

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

Target spot

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

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.

Tip

A soft shot the hitter pushes just over the block with the fingertips.