Running the middle when your setter is mid-court requires a high level of skill. It’s even more challenging when a blocker is at the net waiting to thwart your offense. Run this drill in practice so your middles can get used to hitting around the block.
Run the middle with a block drill
Purpose: To train your team to hit around the block when running the middle from center court.
How it works: Setters line up in the middle right of the court, hitters on the middle left side. Position a single middle blocker on the opposite side of the net. A setter starts at the 10-foot line, just to the right of center court. She tosses a ball in the air and pushes an antenna-high set to the middle of the net. The hitter takes an approach, jumping and hitting the ball around the blocker. The cadence should be soft right, hard left, step, close, jump, hit.
Requirements: Five or more players, a cart of balls, a coach and a full court
