DefenseDigging

Partner Dig and Recover Drill

A gentle, partner-based introduction to digging, building the platform and recovery habit before adding real attack speed.

Age RangeAges 7+
Duration6-8 minutes
Group SizePairs
SportVolleyball

Equipment Needed

  • One ball per pair

One ball per pair, no sharing

A multi-pack of training volleyballs means every pair gets their own ball for dig-and-recover reps.

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Setup

  • Pair players up a few feet apart.
  • One partner tosses, the other digs.
Partner Dig and Recover DrillTTosserDDigs, resets to readyFlat platform, redirect the ball back up

Instructions

  1. The tosser throws the ball at a moderate pace toward the digger's platform.
  2. The digger forms a flat platform with both arms and redirects the ball back up to the tosser.
  3. After each dig, the digger resets to a ready position before the next toss.
  4. Switch roles every 8-10 reps.
Coaching Points
  • Flat, locked platform - bent elbows send the ball in an unpredictable direction.
  • Move the feet to get behind the ball rather than reaching with just the arms.
  • Reset to ready position immediately after every contact.

Variation

Increase the toss speed and add movement once the basic platform is consistent.