There are two teams (A – B and C – D) positioned in the one-up-one-back formation (see graphic below) – players A and C at the baseline, B and D at the net. The coach (F), having a basket of balls nearby, is on the same side with team A – B.
Drill:
Every point begins when the coach feeds a lob towards player D (who is at the net). As soon as the coach feeds the lob, player B who is also at the net will have to move back in order to protect himself from having the overhead directed at him.
Player D can play the overhead into any direction: towards retrieving player B or baseine player A.
From that point on, the two teams play it out.
For the next point, everyone gets back to the initial position and play again.
Once a team wins three points, everyone moves one spot clockwise.
Notes:
– The purpose of this tactical drill is for the defending team (A-B in this case) to learn how to move and block the incoming overhead. Oftentimes doubles teams are taken by surprise by the net player intercepting a lob or baseline player failing to send the ball over the net player.
Also, the player at the net who is about to hit the overhead, must quickly plan where is the best option to send the ball to (ideally it should be aimed to the closest player).