Defense · Intermediate

Chase Down the Shot

The objective of this drill is to reinforce defensive movement to line and across court angle cut shot and the plays that result.

How to run it

1
In this drill an athlete or coach shoots line or angle randomly for a defensive player who is positioned in the angle. The individual hitting should keep in mind that there would normally be a blocker present and they may need to direct their shots upward. This drill is particularly exhausting so it is recommended that an athlete only does 3 - 5 in a row before getting a rest. If the athlete can get to the ball with two arms they should however if it is necessary to use only one arm refer drill 7.1 for technique.
2
Coach emphasis: Don't 'cheat' which means athletes should not move

The objective of this drill is to reinforce defensive movement to line and across court angle cut shot and the plays that result.

Keep building

Teach defensive base position and reading the attacker's body for shot vs. swing.

Train the diagonal defensive shift — defender reads the attacker and moves to the gap before contact.

Train the blocker-to-defender peel — pull off the net, find the seam, and play defense.

High-volume cross-court digging — defender works the diagonal between two attackers continuously.

Train the blocker-to-defender transition through a fixed 6-ball sequence covering every common attack scenario.

Train defense through coach tip chase to target with a clear rep structure and game-like feedback.

Many of our drills are adapted from the coaching resources at Better at Beach and the FIVB.

Give us a call, send an email, or just stop by one of our events and chat with a coach.