Set, Backpedal, and Tag the Line
In pairs, each player sets the ball to their partner and backpedals to touch a cone 3 yards behind before getting ready to receive again. It warms up the legs and shoulders while building the volleyball set and short footwork.
How to play
- Form pairs with one volleyball, facing each other 4 yards apart; place a cone 3 yards behind each player to mark their line.
- Skill warm-up (2 minutes): continuous sets, catching and tossing if needed, to get the hands in a triangle shape.
- Main drill: A sets a high ball to B and backpedals to touch their cone with a hand, then returns to their spot to receive.
- B controls the ball with a self-set, sets back to A, and also backpedals to their cone; keep the exchange going nonstop for 2 minutes.
- Rest 30 seconds, then a second 2-minute set: now the movement is lateral, shuffling to a cone 2 yards to the right.
- Final 2-minute set: the pair counts how many exchanges they string together without the ball dropping and tries to beat their record.
Rules
- Backpedal with short steps while always watching the ball; never run backward without looking.
- One self-set is allowed before passing back to give the partner time.
- If the ball drops, restart with a gentle toss, no arguing.
- All pairs line up in the same direction so no one collides while backpedaling.
Variations
Easier
Allow catching the ball and throwing it with two hands from the forehead before backpedaling.
Standard
Set, optional self-set, and a 3-yard backpedal.
Harder
No self-sets, and alternate sets and forearm passes (bumps).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: stay in one spot and only set or toss while the partner does the movement.
- Students with autism or shy students: practice against the wall first, then with a steady, trusted partner.
- Lower skill level: use a larger soft ball and shorten the backpedal to 2 yards.
Learning goals
- Perform a set with hands in a triangle and power from the legs.
- Move backward and sideways under control without losing sight of the ball.
- Keep the rally going by adjusting the height of the set.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 13
- cones: 26
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is slapping with flat palms and straight arms: remind students of the "window" above the forehead. Mark the backpedal lines before class and leave a 3-yard lane between rows.
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