Page 70 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

Beginner Level 2 - Defense Activities

Number Activity Notes

Defend an attack from the coach or an
attacker, directed outside the feet of the Use shuffle step to move behind the ball.
D16 defender. Player can stop the foot Manage the platform to direct the ball to the
movement if they are behind the ball, or target area. Player must develop a proficiency
keep moving their feet as needed. at digging with the feet moving

Coach/partner will roll the ball to the
defender who scoops the ball into their This is a progression to defending the low
forearms while dropping to their knees.
D17 ball. Emphasis on bending the hips and
The player completes the play holding knees.
the ball with forearms and knees on the
floor.

Same as D17, except the coach/partner
will toss a ball at the ankles of the
defender. The defender will drop the Make sure the forearms are under the ball.
D18
hips, bend the knees, play the ball with This will allow the ball to be directed up.
the forearms, and finish on the forearms
and the knees.
Coach will throw a ball at a slow speed
at the chest of the defender. Using an Emphasize the hips are under the ball. This is
D19
overhead dig, the player will direct the not a ―set‖, but an overhead dig
ball into the air.
Coach will toss or hit crosscourt to the Make sure the starting posture is neutral,
D20 player. The attacks will vary from high allowing the player to defend either type of
ball defense or low-ball defense. attack successfully.
With coaches on each antenna, players Coaches keep tempo fast, keeping the player
D21 will defend a cross court shot, then moving. Must drop deep to defend the line
immediately move to defend a line shot. shot.
Work on parallel lines with two or three
players. Coach will stand at an antenna
and throw, hit in the seam between two Players have short or deep duties with the
D22 defender closest to the ball taking the short
players. Both will pursue the ball
understanding the concept of ―parallel seam.
lines.‖

On a small court, players will play 2v2
working on a pass, set, attack sequence. Coach enters the ball from the side to
D23
At this point, no blocking. The focus is on facilitate the number of contacts.
dig the attack and then transition attack.
Same as above, except players will
D24
serve.
Similar to D21, except 3v3 or 4v4 (setter
at the net with three defenders in the Start with no blocking to emphasize attack
backcourt). Rally can start with a coach
D25 and defense. The setter will place the set 5‘-
toss, proceed to a serve. Coach should 10‘ off the net.
keep the tempo high by tossing in free
balls to promote more contacts.