Players work in pairs facing each other, and with a crash mat by one of the players, who starts on one knee.
The opposite player starts with the ball and underhand passes it to their teammate, who has to dive onto the crash mat and dig the ball back.
Players work on two skills at the same time here: diving and digging. While learning to dive, having a mat softens the contact with the chest and arms.
The player passing should ensure varied passes.
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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