Middle Back Defensive Positioning and Movement

VOLLEYBALL DEFENSE DRILL, MIDDLE BACK, DEFENSIVE POSITIONING, PASSING

Middle Back Defensive Positioning and Movement

This drill teaches the middle back defender how to anticipate attacks, move quickly between defensive zones, and return playable passes under pressure. It emphasizes footwork, posture, and reacting to multiple hitters.

This defensive volleyball drill trains the middle back player to move quickly into position, anticipate attacks, and return playable balls with proper forearm passing technique.

• Players: 1 middle back defender, 2 hitters, additional players to shag balls
• Equipment: Volleyballs, cones or floor markers, pollyspot marker
• Court Layout:
  Place the middle back at the baseline in the center.
  Set a pollyspot at the starting position.
  Place two markers 5–7 feet apart from the baseline (left and right zones).
  Position two hitters at the net, one on each sideline, with a supply of balls.

1. On the coach’s command, the middle back makes an arching run into the right defensive zone in low posture.
2. As the defender arrives, the right-side hitter attacks a ball into that zone.
3. Middle back passes the ball using proper forearm passing technique back into play.
4. Defender immediately sprints around the starting cone and makes another arching run into the left defensive zone.
5. Left-side hitter attacks, and the middle back again returns the ball with a forearm pass.
6. Continue alternating sides for 8–10 reps per defender, or for a 60-second timed round before rotating players.
7. Shaggers collect balls to keep the drill fast-paced.

• Require passes to be directed to a target on the opposite side of the net.
• Mix in different types of balls (free balls, tips, roll shots, hard-driven attacks) to simulate real game situations.

• Stress quick, arched movements into defensive zones.
• Reinforce low body posture and balanced footwork.
• Encourage reading hitter cues and anticipating attack angles.
• Common Game Situation: Middle back defenders must often move laterally to cover both sidelines, making this drill realistic for defending hard-driven attacks and tips.

Drill: Middle Back Defensive Positioning and Movement
Description: This defensive volleyball drill trains the middle back player to move quickly into position, anticipate attacks, and return playable balls with proper forearm passing technique.
Keywords: volleyball defense drill, middle back, defensive positioning, passing

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