Passing · Intermediate
Backspin / Topspin Passing
The objective of this drill is for the athlete to gain better ball control with the forearm pass and in particular gain experience and confidence in playing the ball with either topspin or backspin. Although forearm passing the ball with either backspin or topspin is not recommended in normal play there are situations where this is beneficial and necessary. Practicing this skill will give an athlete confidence when a situation arises that necessitates the use of this technique.
How to run it
- 1
In this drill athletes practice passing the ball back and forth to each other with either backspin or topspin. Initially this drill could be done with one pair throwing the ball to the other for a set of 5-10 repetitions before passing the ball back and forth to each other continuously. Athletes will tend to move forward through the ball when practicing backspin and backwards through the ball when practicing topspin so after each contact they will need to move back to their original starting position. Irrespective or which spin the athlete is putting on the ball they will benefit from an athletic stance with one leg forward and one back which will allow stable movement back and forth.
- 2
Coach emphasis: When imparting backspin on the ball athletes will
Why we run it
The objective of this drill is for the athlete to gain better ball control with the forearm pass and in particular gain experience and confidence in playing the ball with either topspin or backspin. Although forearm passing the ball with either backspin or topspin is not recommended in normal play there are situations where this is beneficial and necessary. Practicing this skill will give an athlete confidence when a situation arises that necessitates the use of this technique.
Keep building
More passing drills
Half-Court Triangle Passing
Reinforce angle-to-target and early communication in a continuous three-player pattern without net or serve pressure.
View drillPass → Set → Catch (Connection)
Link first and second contacts in a controlled chain.
View drillCoach Serve to Pass-Set-Hit
Train passing through coach serve to pass-set-hit with a clear rep structure and game-like feedback.
View drillOver-Net Downball Shuffle Passing
Train passing through over-net downball shuffle passing with a clear rep structure and game-like feedback.
View drillPass-Set-Attack to Outside-Body Dig
Train passing through pass-set-attack to outside-body dig with a clear rep structure and game-like feedback.
View drillControlled Hard Attack Dig & Play Out
Train passing through controlled hard attack dig & play out with a clear rep structure and game-like feedback.
View drillMany of our drills are adapted from the coaching resources at Better at Beach and the FIVB.
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