Crossover step to the pin

What you need

Players

1 to 6 players

Time

4 to 6 min

Level

Intermediate

Equipment

Tape

Ball fed by

Not needed

Space

Half a court

Setup

1. A middle blocker at the net in the center of the near court, an arm's length off the net.
2. Tape marks near the left and right pins show where the blocker takes off.
3. The coach stands a few meters (about 10 ft) behind the blocker and calls the side.

How it runs

A ball-free footwork drill for middle blockers. From the middle of the net the blocker waits for the coach's call, then travels to the left or right pin with a long crossover step, closes the feet on the tape mark, jumps and presses both hands over. After landing the blocker crosses back to the middle and goes the other way on the next call.

Time and reps: 8 blocks to each side, resting twice as long as you work.

Coaching points

• Hands stay up near the chest while you travel.
• Make the first step a big one, turning the hips toward the pin.
• Close the feet and square the shoulders to the net before you take off.
• Watch the coach so you are ready for the next call.

Ways to change it

• The coach tosses a ball over the pin and the blocker blocks it.
• A hitter on a box at the pin swings and the blocker closes on the hit.
• Add a short shuffle step before the crossover to reach a wider set.

Terms on this page

Crossover step

A step where one foot crosses over the other to cover ground quickly along the net.

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.

Middle blocker

The player who blocks in the middle of the net and often hits the quick sets.