Volleyball
Defence
Defensive Dig Circuit
Volleyball drill for defence training sessions
Players dig attacked balls and practise staying balanced after emergency contacts.
What This Drill Improves
This volleyball drill is best for beginner players who need focused work on defence. It works well with 8 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
Coach/feeder on a box at the net. Digger in defensive position. 3 feeders with balls.
Instructions
- Feeder attacks sharp angles, tips, and deep balls in rotation.
- Digger must dig each ball up to target zone.
- After 5 digs, rotate to next player.
- Work all defensive positions: line 1, 5, 6.
Coaching Points
✓ Low posture before the attack — not after.
✓ Dig up, not sideways.
✓ Small platform — don't swing.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
- The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
- Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Follow the dig with a setter and live attack.
→ Dig must reach a marked target zone.
→ Digger calls defensive rotation for teammates.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Walk through the pattern first, then build up to game speed.
Use larger targets or more space to help players succeed early.
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