Purpose: Even when players are waiting to come on the court for a drill or have down time, they should always be practicing their hand contact. This simple progression, which can be done alone or with a partner, teaches the proper hand contact for an attack.
How it Works: Players stand in a stationary position and self-toss with their dominant hand. Hear the “splat!” when the ball contacts the hand when it lands (it should also be caught with the dominant hand). Players then partner up and have one ball between them.
The first Drill is “Hand Contact A”: Partner A tosses a high ball to Partner B, who keeps her hand high and contacts the ball with a “splat” hand (oustretched and shaping the ball).
The second drill is “Hand Contact B”: Next, Partner A will toss the ball to Partner B, who has her elbow bent at a 90 degree angle. Once again, the contact with the hand should make a “splat” noise.
Lastly, Player B keeps the dominant arm at a 90 degree angle but as she prepares to hit the ball, point the left hand forward to gain momentum and torque. Partner B hits the ball, maintaining the “splat” noise.
Requirements: At least 1 or 2 players, one ball and half a court.
