A block doesn’t always stop the spike. Sometimes the attacker tips it over the block. Good defenders block AND cover. Jump up, land, turn, find the ball. This drill builds that recovery.
What you need: A volleyball, a net, three players (blocker + tipper + back court defender).
Setup: Blocker at the net. Tipper on the other side at the front. Back court defender behind the blocker.
How to run it:
- Tipper holds the ball at the net.
- Blocker jumps to block.
- Tipper drops the ball over the block (a tip).
- Blocker lands, turns, and either covers the tip or directs the back court defender to it.
- Back court defender plays the ball if it’s deep.
What to watch: Does the blocker turn after landing? Some blockers stand still after landing, waiting. The block is over. Turn and find the ball.
If they’re struggling: Slow the tip. Coach holds the ball longer before dropping.
If they’ve got it: Add a real attack instead of a tip. Sometimes the blocker has to play the ball off the block, sometimes turn and cover.