The person on the side of the mats feeds the ball to the two players opposite who communicate and pass the ball to the net for the ball to be set up for an attacking one handed tip to the mat that has not been occupied by the feeder.
This means that the attacking player needs to work on creating a good field of vision and observe where the feeder has moved to.
Most teams win the dig and then hand the point straight back with a slow, predictable transition swing. The best 2026 sides treat the moment after the dig as their sharpest scoring chance, feeding the middle in transition and running first-tempo attacks off a defensive ball.
When the first pass breaks down, most teams collapse into a high ball straight into the opposing block. The best 2026 sides are building structured out-of-system offences that turn broken plays into scoring chances using libero sets, left-side options and disciplined hitter routes.
The modern pipe attack has evolved from a high middle-back set into a flat, fast weapon that arrives at quick tempo. Coaches at every level are now drilling it as a primary scoring option, forcing blockers into impossible decisions and unlocking four-hitter offences.
Register for FREE and get coaching tips, top drills, session and more every week!
