Two players stand on each side of the court, with two balls between the four players. These two balls should be with players on the same side. The two players with balls set to the players opposite them, and switch places with the other player who set the ball. The players opposite meanwhile, set the ball back but stay where they are.
This drill improves setting accruary and the need to shuffle and bypass a teammate to set the ball, as this is something that will happen often during a match.
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.