Block steps in the yard
Blocking drill for 1 player at home. Focus: slide, do not cross; jump straight up, hands high.
What you need
- Players
- 1 player
- Time
- 4 to 6 min
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Chalk or tape
- Ball fed by
- Not needed
- Space
- A yard or driveway
- Ages
- 11+
Setup
- Three chalk marks in a line about 1.2 m (4 ft) apart on grass or a driveway.
- Start on the middle mark an arm's length from the net, facing it (or a fence or a line).
- Slide to a side mark, jump, land, slide back; then the other side.
How it runs
Blocking footwork at a backyard net, or facing a fence or a line if there is no net. From a ready spot with hands up in front of the shoulders, the player slides two quick steps to a chalk mark, jumps straight up with both hands high and pressed forward, lands soft, slides back and goes the other way.
Time and reps: 3 sets of 6 jumps (3 each way), 30 s rest.
Coaching points
- Hands up by your shoulders the whole time.
- Slide steps: feet never cross.
- Stop square, then jump straight up.
- Reach high and press your hands forward; land on both feet.
Ways to change it
- Easier: slide and freeze without the jump.
- Harder: a crossover step for the longer move.
- Harder: a grown-up points left or right just before each move.
Terms on this page
- Crossover step
- A step where one foot crosses over the other to cover ground quickly along the net.
Safety at home
Jump on grass or a flat, non-slip floor in shoes, with room all around. Land soft on both feet with bent knees.
- Keep it short and stop when legs get tired.
- Young kids need a grown-up close by.
