Beginner 2: build a three-contact rally

The practice, block by block

1. Minutes 0 to 88 min

   Dynamic warm-up

   Drill, 1 to 24 players

   Warm up together. Start at a walk, build to a jog, and leave room between players in each lane.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
2. Minutes 8 to 102 min

   Today’s focus

   Note

   Track complete three-contact returns. Keep a catch on the second ball only until players can move under the pass.

3. Minutes 10 to 2010 min

   Control the first ball

   Drill, 2 to 12 players

   Pairs with one ball. Toss away from the platform and count catchable passes. After five, switch jobs. Let stronger pairs rally without catching.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
4. Minutes 20 to 3212 min

   Keep the first ball playable

   Drill, 3 players

   Groups of three, with extras rotating into the tossing job after five balls. The target catches at the setter’s spot. Count passes that let the target stay balanced, then change jobs.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
5. Minutes 32 to 353 min

   Water break

   Break

6. Minutes 35 to 5015 min

   Keep the second contact playable

   Drill, 6 to 12 players

   Groups of three a side. Run two games when numbers allow and rotate extras after two rallies. Count five three-contact returns together before making the opening serve harder.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
7. Minutes 50 to 533 min

   Water break

   Break

8. Minutes 53 to 6512 min

   Send a controlled third ball

   Drill, 3 to 10 players

   One hitting line with the coach tossing. Rotate waiting players through shagging behind the opposite end line. Use standing shots first; add the approach only when contact stays controlled.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
9. Minutes 65 to 8520 min

   Use it in a rally

   Drill, 6 to 12 players

   Use the scoreboard for games to 11. Require three contacts when the ball is playable; let players save a poor pass without stopping the rally. Rotate the setter each game.

   Watch it in 3DSetup and coaching points
10. Minutes 85 to 905 min

    Cool down and review

    Note

    Walk, drink water and stretch comfortably. Which pass height gave the setter time to move? Compare the number of complete three-contact returns in the first and last rounds.