DRILLS FOR FREE BALL TRANSITION TRAINING
(In order from simple to more difficult)


  1. Transition and catch--players start in base and transition to their positions on the court catching a toss to insure the correct player is playing the ball.
  2. Transition and pass-players start in base and transition to their positions, passing a ball to the target off a toss from the coach.
  3. Transition and pass a pass-players start in base, coach tosses a ball to a passer, setter yells "free!" players transition, passer passes the ball over the net.  Start with players catching, and

move to passing when they understand where they are supposed to be.

  1. Transition and catch (overhead only), run through the progressions of drills 1,2 and 3 with players only using an overhead pass.
  2. Pass-set-cover and catch-run through the transition, pass to the setter, setter sets a hitter, the players around the hitter covers, the hitter approaches and catches the ball.
  3. Pass-set-cover and hit-same as #5 but the players hit instead of catch.
  4. Pass-set-cover and hit against 3 blockers.
  5. Pass-set-cover and hit against full defense.
  6. Same as #7 but with 3-5 balls in a row, emphasize running the drill quickly-next free ball goes over the net as soon ball hits the ground.
  7. Same as #8 with 3-5 balls in a row.
    8.

  1. 6 v 6 free ball.  1 team gets 3-5 free balls in a row, compete with what team can win the most.  Alternate sides after last ball.  Switch front and back row players after both teams get their set of balls.  Keep score, with teams getting a point for every ball they win.
  2. 6 v 6 Termination Emphasis.  Same as #11 with scoring difference, teams can only score points when they terminate on the first swing.


WHAT YOU SHOULD BE STRESSING IN FREE BALL DRILLS
  • Communication, setter calling and identifying the free ball.
  • Quick movements to positions.
  • Encourage overhead passing, positive reinforcement, bonus points.
  • Demand a high percentage to the target. 
  • Demand high percentage of terminating free balls.

Go back to previous page ...