Players start this drill on the sidelines.
The feeder overhand passes accurately and inaccurately to the worker. The worker is required to underhand pass the ball directly back to the feeder - regardless of how fast or slow they have to approach the pass!
Start off with high trajectory overhand passes to dig (easy) and then make it progressively more difficult by lowering the overhand passes.
This practice teaches players to prepare for a pass when finishing a running approach so that they are able to join their arms and pass. As player runs from sideline to the middle and back, this exercise improves their speed and reaction time.
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!
