Close the double block

What you need

Players

5 to 8 players

Time

6 to 10 min

Level

Intermediate

Equipment

Balls, Ball cart

Ball fed by

The players

Space

A full court

Setup

1. On the far side, an outside blocker at the net on the right and a middle blocker at the center of the net.
2. On the near side, a setter at the target spot and a line of hitters ready to approach from the left.
3. A feeder with a ball cart in the near court hands each ball to the setter.

How it runs

Two blockers build a double block against a high outside set. A feeder hands a ball to the setter, who sets the left side hitter. As soon as the set leaves the setter's hands the middle blocker travels along the net to join the outside blocker, and both jump together with their hands sealed so the hitter sees one wall.

Time and reps: 5 blocks per pair, then swap the blockers.

Coaching points

• The outside blocker sets the spot, lined up on the hitter's hitting arm.
• The middle leaves as the set leaves the setter's hands and closes toward the outside.
• Jump together and press the hands over with no gap in the middle.
• Land on both feet, then turn to find where the ball went.

Ways to change it

• Mix in quick sets to the middle so the middle has to read before moving.
• Set the right side too, so the other outside blocker sets the spot.
• Hitters score a point for every ball that goes through the seam.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Walk through the closing step with no ball first, then add the set.

Make it harder

• Have the setter vary the set height so the closing step has to adjust.

Terms on this page

Double block

Two blockers jump together and keep their hands close, so the hitter sees one wall.

Middle blocker

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

Target spot

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

Quick set

A very low set the hitter meets fast, meant to beat the block. It can go anywhere along the net.

Seam

The gap between two passers or defenders. A ball that lands there needs one clear call about who takes it.

Setter

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