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Drill · Advanced · 5 min

Dig and cover: the defensive drill behind great teams

Train reading the hitter, digging to target and covering your own attack.

Diagram of the dig and cover volleyball defence drill with a hitter and three defenders

Defence wins long rallies. This drill connects the dig with the transition to attack, so defenders learn to keep the ball alive and play the next ball.

5+players
15 minduration
1coach or hitter

Setup

A coach or strong hitter stands on a box on the far side of the net and attacks to defenders spread across the back row. A setter waits near the target zone at the net.

How to run it

  1. The coach hits to a defender in position 5, 6 or 1.
  2. The defender digs high and to the target.
  3. The setter sets, the defender transitions and attacks.
  4. Teammates cover the hitter in case of a block.
  5. Rotate defenders after every five balls.

Coaching points

  • Read the hitter’s shoulder and arm, and start moving before contact.
  • Dig to a high arc so the setter has time.
  • Stay low and take small steps at the last moment.
  • Cover teammates closely after every attack.
ProgressionStart with controlled hits, then add real attacks, and finally a live block on the net.

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