Dan Fisher introduces a drill that allows teams with less than 12 players to simulate 6 v 6 and work on rotations.

To demonstrate, Fisher puts six players on one side and represents the other side by himself, throwing balls across the net each time the team hits a ball to the other side. By doing this, he creates rallies and forces the team of six to be ready for anything.

As a variation, Fisher brings on two more players to his side. One serves, and one gets an occasional set, requiring the team of 6 to play defense off a live hit.

As Fisher points out, this drill isn’t game-like, so it isn’t good for eye work. But it reinforces good habits – like being in a low, athletic body position and covering on every ball.