Bunch drill to train defensive movement of players

Clinician: Colleen Munson, head women’s volleyball coach at Western Michigan University

Purpose: To train movement from a base to defensive positions using a ball control warmup

How it Works: On each side of the net, three players split the back court. Three players bunch up in the middle of the court on one side while a coach hits a down ball to three players splitting the back court on the other side. After digging the ball, that same team sets and hits from behind the ten-foot line. Meanwhile, the bunched-up side waits for the ball to be set then moves into their defensive positions. Each side gets into the rhythm of moving to the middle after the ball is hit over, then preparing to dig. Every time the ball crosses the net, three new players enter and get into the bunch position.

Variations: If the number of players is limited, play three-on-three without rotating after each hit.

Requirements: Six players, a cart of balls and a full court