Principles

Simple movements are better than complex movements – the simpler the movement the easier it is to repeat

The arms and hands respond the most quickly to unexpected events, and the arms and hands have the most “touch” and “feel”
The ball only “knows” angles – so let the angle do the work
Passing off the net is statistically proven to be the most effective

Passing Keys

Platform Ready Early - early organization of the platform with the wrist and hands
Keep the platform straight (elbows locked) and simple (hands down) – the legs do not provide “touch, feel, power, or direction”
Tracking and Updating
- Platform Early In Line With The Serve
- Work (shuffle) to square but let the deep serves go by
- Face the ball and angle the platform – let the platform angle do the work – leading leg?
- Continuous Updating Of Platform Position To Stay In The Path Of The Ball
- Gentle Touch And Hold Finish
See the Server and See the Spin – See mostly (servers) contact – play with your eye

Passing Posture

Can you move? Feet about shoulder length apart, knees bent, slight lean forward, and comfortable

Basic Drills

These drills are used to help get the keys in place.

Keys 1 & 2

Keys 1, 2, 3, 4

Throw, Pass, Catch

Back and Forth with Partner

Linear Lines of Threes

Triangle Threes

Video Example- Coming Soon!

Semi-Live Drills

Semi-live drills allow us to increase the number of reps in a short period of time. It’s a good idea to start every practice and end every practice with some variations of these drills (The Primacy/Recency Effect).

One Sided Butterfly

Dog house

Win a rally, shag a ball, and get back in line
Lose a rally, go in the doghouse
You win a point every time you win a rally

Two Sided Butterfly

Seam Work (Groups of 3)

Work on seam communication and responsibility
Replace the passer
Can be reversed to work on 1/6 seam or 5/6 seam

Measure & Challenge

Setting goals is often a useful tool to help drive a passion for improvement. These are some useful drills we can set up to challenge and measure our primary passers throughout the year.

10, 11, 12

Passers must record 10, 11, or 12 perfect passes out of 20 with 3 missed serves.

In-A-Row (I-A-R)

Passers must record x number of perfect passes in a row before 6 minutes.

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10