Rufio Stats

Two-ball triads

Passing drill for 3 to 15 players. Focus: pass to the target at the net; keep both balls moving.

The Two-ball triads 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
8 to 12 min
Level
Beginner and intermediate
Equipment
Balls
Ball fed by
The players
Space
A full court

Setup

  1. Thrower about 4.5 m (15 ft) off the net on one side, with a ball.
  2. Passer in the middle of the back court on the other side, and the target about 1 m (3 ft) off the net, just right of center, also holding a ball.
  3. Several triads can share a net if they spread out along it.

How it runs

Groups of three with two balls. A thrower stands on one side of the net, and a passer and a target stand on the other, the target close to the net. The thrower tosses a ball over to the passer, who passes it to the target. While that ball is in the air, the target sends the ball they were holding back under the net to the thrower, so both balls keep moving and nobody waits. Rotate jobs after ten passes.

Time and reps: 10 passes, then rotate thrower to passer to target to thrower; two rounds each.

Coaching points

  • Passer: square up to the ball, then angle your platform toward the target.
  • Target: get your ball back under the net right after the toss, so the thrower is ready for the next one.
  • Thrower: toss over the net with some height, so it looks like a free ball.
  • Keep the rhythm going; a pass that misses the target still gets chased and sent back.

Ways to change it

  • The target sets the pass to themselves and catches it, for an extra touch.
  • Count how many passes the target catches without moving their feet.
  • Play it as a race between triads: first to 15 good passes.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

  • Thrower moves closer to the net and tosses straight to the passer, with plenty of height.

Make it harder

  • The thrower hits a down ball over instead of tossing it.
  • The thrower serves from the end line, and the passer has to get it to the target.

Terms on this page

Platform
The flat surface your forearms make when you pass: arms straight, thumbs side by side, angled at the target.
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.