Rufio Stats

Toss and hit timing

Hitting drill for 3 to 10 players. Focus: go when the ball leaves the hands; hit at full reach.

The Toss and hit timing 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 10 players
Time
8 to 12 min
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Balls, Ball cart
Ball fed by
The coach
Space
A full court

Setup

  1. A coach in the middle of the net on the near side with a cart of balls.
  2. Hitters in a line on the left side, a few meters (about 10 ft) behind the attack line.
  3. One or two shaggers on the far side, out of the way behind the end line.

How it runs

A coach by the net tosses a high ball out to the left pin. The next hitter in line starts the approach as the ball leaves the coach's hands, times the jump to meet it at the top, and hits it cross court. The hitter then jogs around the outside back to the end of the line while a shagger on the far side collects the balls.

Time and reps: 4 swings per hitter per round, about one minute on to two off.

Coaching points

  • Start your approach when the ball leaves the coach's hands.
  • Contact the ball at the highest point you can reach, in front of your hitting shoulder.
  • Open your hips and shoulders to the net in the air, then rotate through the hit.
  • Follow through down and across your body.

Ways to change it

  • The coach changes the toss height so hitters adjust their timing.
  • Add a blocker on the far side.
  • Call line or angle as the hitter takes off.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

  • Toss a slower, higher ball close to the hitter, and let the hitter start from a standing position.

Make it harder

  • Toss lower and quicker, or farther off the net.

Terms on this page

Pin and antenna
The pin is the end of the net where outside hitters attack, and the left pin is on your left as you face the net. The antenna is the striped rod above each sideline; the ball has to cross the net between the two.
Shagger
A player who collects the balls so the drill keeps moving.
Attack line (10-foot line)
The line about 10 feet (3 m) from the net. Back row players take off from behind it when they attack.
Approach
The steps a hitter takes before jumping: a slow first step, then quicker steps into the jump.