Players work in pairs and stand across the court from each other. One player starts with the ball and overhand passes the ball high in the air before changing position to stand sideways.
When the ball comes back down, the player sets the ball sideways to their teammate while standing sideways. The recipient then repeats this.
Just like during a match, players will often have to set, receive or spike from unnatural positions, so they must get used to this in training.
Ensure players keep their feet firmly apart and knees bent prior to passing.
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.
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