Rufio Stats

Middle mover

Passing drill for 3 to 15 players. Focus: get there, then pass; turn and find the next ball.

The Middle mover drill on the 3D court in Rufio Court
Watch it in 3D in Rufio Court Browse all drillsHow to use drills

What you need

Players
3 to 15 players
Time
6 to 9 min
Level
Beginner and intermediate
Equipment
Balls
Ball fed by
The players
Space
Half a court

Setup

  1. Groups of three in a straight line, about 3.5 m (12 ft) between players. Use the space behind the court or across the width of a court.
  2. Both end players start with a ball.
  3. The middle player starts facing one end in a low ready position.

How it runs

Three players in a line, about 3.5 m (12 ft) apart, with no net between them. The two on the ends each hold a ball. They take turns tossing a high ball a couple of steps to one side of the player in the middle, who gets there, passes it back to whoever tossed it, and turns to face the other end for the next one. Rotate after ten.

Time and reps: 10 balls in the middle, then rotate; everyone goes through the middle twice.

Coaching points

  • Middle: read where the toss is going and move before it peaks.
  • Stop your feet before the ball arrives so you pass from a balanced stance.
  • Angle the platform back to the tosser, not straight up.
  • Turn right after the pass and find the other ball early.

Ways to change it

  • End players toss to the front, back and both sides, in any order.
  • The middle player calls "Mine!" on every ball.
  • Play a race: how many good passes in 60 seconds before you rotate?

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

  • Toss higher and only one step away, and give the middle player time to reset between balls.

Make it harder

  • End players step back to about 6 m (20 ft) and hit a controlled down ball at the middle player, so it becomes digging.
  • The middle player starts facing away and only turns when the tosser calls their name.

Terms on this page

Platform
The flat surface your forearms make when you pass: arms straight, thumbs side by side, angled at the target.
Down-ball
A standing hit with an arm swing but no approach and no jump.
Ready position
A low stance with the feet wide, the knees bent and the hands out in front.
Dig
Playing a hard-hit ball up off the floor, usually with a platform.