Serve and Get In: Transition to Defense
The server doesn't stand and watch the serve: right after contact, they run into their defensive spot and dig a ball sent by the other team. Students practice the transition from serving to defense, getting into ready position quickly, and passing after moving.
How to play
- Groups of 6 per full court: on one side, the server and a teammate in a defensive spot; on the other, two passers, a tosser, and a shagger (2 min).
- The server serves underhand and runs to the defense cone, 6 ft inside the end line, and gets into ready position (4 min).
- As soon as the serve reaches the other side, the tosser on the receiving team sends another ball with two hands toward the server, who digs it up.
- The server scores: 1 point if the serve lands in, 1 for reaching the cone before the toss, and 1 if the dig goes up under control (6 min).
- Rotate every 5 serves; in the last part, the receiving team plays the serve with three contacts and sends an easy attack at the server instead of a toss (6 min).
Rules
- The tosser waits until the server is on the cone and set before tossing.
- Tosses go to the defender's body at waist height and are never hard.
- Only two balls are in play at once per court.
- The server runs straight to their cone without crossing the teammate's path.
Variations
Easier
The server serves from 10 ft inside the court, and the tosser sends high balls.
Standard
Serve from the end line, run to the cone, and dig the tossed ball.
Harder
The receiving team attacks with an open-hand hit, and the server must dig to the teammate, who sets.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is the tosser or defends from a fixed spot without moving in.
- Hearing impairment: the tosser holds the ball overhead before tossing as a signal.
- Lower fitness level: rest as the shagger after each set of 5 serves.
Learning goals
- Move quickly from serving to a defensive position.
- Get into a ready position before passing.
- Dig a ball after moving while staying in control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 12
- nets: 2
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Many students stand still admiring their serve; this drill breaks that habit. Adjust the cone distance so the server just makes it and never has to dive.
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