Volleyball Defense Drill: Touch Ten!

VOLLEYBALL DEFENSE DRILL, DEFENSIVE READING, PASSING DRILL, HITTER VS DEFENDER

Volleyball Defense Drill: Touch Ten!

This drill develops defensive aggressiveness, anticipation, and reading skills by challenging players to make repeated defensive contacts. It replicates live hitting situations where defenders must react quickly and cover multiple angles. By requiring a set number of touches, it builds persistence and defensive conditioning.

This volleyball defense drill builds aggressiveness and reading skills as defenders work to touch ten attacked balls before rotating out.

• Players: 3 hitters, 1 setter, 1 defender, coach as tosser (additional defenders optional)
• Court: Full court with hitters and setter on one side, defender on the opposite side
• Equipment: Volleyballs, net
• Roles: Coach tosses to setter, setter distributes sets, hitters attack, defender pursues and defends

1. Coach stands on the sideline or backcourt, tossing balls to the setter.
2. The setter can set any of the three hitters with any type of set.
3. Hitters attempt to score by attacking balls away from the defender.
4. The defender may start anywhere on the court and must make contact with ten balls before rotating out.
5. Once the defender achieves ten touches, they switch with a new defender.
6. Adjust the goal for different levels: beginners may need only 3–5 touches, while advanced players should complete all 10 touches.
7. Suggested reps: Each defender completes one round of 10 touches (about 2–3 minutes) before rotating.

• Multiple Defenders: Add a second defender for teamwork and communication.
• Setter Dump: Allow the setter to attack (tip/dump) to force defenders to read more options.
• Beginner Adjustment: Lower the touch requirement (e.g., 3 touches) for new defenders to build confidence.

• Reading the Hitter: Defenders should watch the hitter’s approach, shoulders, and arm swing to anticipate direction.
• Positioning: Start balanced and adjust quickly based on the set and hitter.
• Aggressiveness: Emphasize diving, sprawling, and relentless effort to keep the ball alive.
• Communication: Call the ball loudly and stay engaged even when not in direct play.
• Common Game Situation: Replicates defending against multiple attackers in transition or rallies where hitters aim to exploit open space.

This is a great mid-practice defensive focus drill since it combines conditioning, aggressiveness, and reading attackers in a game-like setting.

Drill: Volleyball Defense Drill: Touch Ten!
Description: This volleyball defense drill builds aggressiveness and reading skills as defenders work to touch ten attacked balls before rotating out.
Keywords: volleyball defense drill, defensive reading, passing drill, hitter vs defender

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