Passing triangle

What you need

Players

3 players

Time

5 to 8 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Balls

Ball fed by

The players

Space

Half a court

Setup

1. A target player at the setter's spot, about 1 m (3 ft) off the net and just right of center.
2. A passer in the middle of the court, about 4 m (13 ft) back from the target.
3. A tosser 4 m (13 ft) to the passer's right with a ball, so the three form a triangle.

How it runs

Three players make a triangle about 4 m (13 ft) a side, with the target at the setter's spot by the net. The tosser lobs a ball to the passer, the passer sends it up to the target, and the target catches it. Then everyone moves one corner on: tosser to passer, passer to target, target to tosser.

Time and reps: 10 passes in each spot, then rotate; about 6 minutes in all.

Coaching points

• Shuffle your feet to the ball first, then stop and pass.
• Keep the arms still; no swing at the ball.
• Pass high enough that the target can catch it without jumping.
• Watch the ball all the way onto your forearms.

Ways to change it

• Make the triangle bigger as the passes get steady.
• The target sets the ball back to the tosser instead of catching it.
• The passer starts with a step away and has to come back to the ball.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Shrink the triangle and let the target catch every pass.

Make it harder

• Toss to the passer's side and have the passer call the ball before moving.

Terms on this page

Target spot

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

Setter

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