One voice scrimmage

What you need

Players

10 to 14 players

Time

10 to 15 min

Level

Beginner and intermediate

Equipment

Balls, Ball cart

Ball fed by

The coach

Space

A full court

Setup

1. Two teams of six, one on each side of the net.
2. The coach stands at the side of the court by the net with a cart of balls and sends a free ball to either side to start each rally.
3. Each side names its talker before the ball goes over. A pinnie on the talker makes it easy to see.

How it runs

A 6 v 6 game (5 v 5 with 10 or 11 players, extras sub in) started by a free ball from the coach. Each side picks one talker, and only that player may speak: they call the free ball, say who takes it, and warn about the hitter. Everyone else plays in silence and listens. Change the talker every couple of dead balls so each player gets a turn, then finish with a few minutes where everyone talks and see how much louder the gym gets.

Time and reps: Change the talker every 2 or 3 dead balls; last 3 minutes everyone talks.

Coaching points

• Talker: call the ball early and use names, so there is no doubt who takes it.
• Talker: call "Free!" as soon as you see an easy ball coming.
• Everyone else: move on the call, not on your own guess.
• When everyone talks at the end, keep the calls short and say them once.

Ways to change it

• The talker must be a back row player.
• Give the other team the point if anyone but the talker speaks.
• Let the talker call where the set goes as well.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• The coach sends every free ball high and slow, and the talker only has to say "Free!" and a name.

Make it harder

• The coach sends a down ball or a quick free ball, so the talker has to call it sooner.

Terms on this page

Free ball

An easy ball the other team sends over without attacking it, usually a pass or a set. It gives you time to set up your own attack.

Down-ball

A standing hit with an arm swing but no approach and no jump.