Dig to Target
A coach hits controlled balls at defenders, who dig high to the setter target.
Volleyball Defense Drills
Good defense drills teach players to be stopped and balanced before the attack, read where the ball is going, and dig it high to the setter target, between zones 2 and 3. Start with controlled balls from a coach on a box or at the net, aim every dig at a target, and then add live hitters and transition so the dig turns into a point.
- Drills
- 4
- Players needed
- 2 to 14
- Main target
- Setter target (between zones 2 and 3), about 1–2 m off the net
- Typical block
- 15–20 minutes
- Equipment
- Balls, a sturdy box or platform (optional), knee pads
Three back-row defenders (D) in zones 5, 6 and 1. The coach (C) hits from the other side of the net.
D = defender, C = coach. Green circle = setter target.
- Before the hit, every defender is stopped, low and balanced.
- The coach hits a controlled ball toward zone 5. Read the hitter: the hitting shoulder often points toward the shot.
- The defender angles the platform and digs the ball high to the setter target, between zones 2 and 3, about 1–2 m off the net. Height first, accuracy second.
Pick a drill
| Goal | Drill | Players | Level | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dig controlled attacks to the setter target | Dig to Target | 3–8 + coach | Beginner–intermediate | 10–15 min |
| Turn an easy ball into an attack | Free-Ball Transition | 6–12 | Beginner–intermediate | 10–20 min |
| Read a hitter at close range | Pepper | 2 | Beginner–intermediate | 5–10 min |
| Defend in real rallies | Six-on-Six Wash | 10–14 | Intermediate | 15–25 min |
The drills
Free-Ball Transition
Defenders pass an easy ball, front-row players back off the net, and the team attacks.
Pepper
Partner pass, set and hit. Digging your partner's hit builds platform control and reading a hitter at close range.
Six-on-Six Wash
Defense under real game pressure.
How to choose and progress defense drills
Start where the problem is. If digs go anywhere, use Dig to Target with controlled balls. If digs are fine but the team stalls afterward, use Free-Ball Transition. Pepper suits two players without a coach, and Six-on-Six Wash needs a full team. Then change one thing at a time:
- Controlled balls first: a coach tosses, then hits from the same side, then from a sturdy box across the net.
- Then movement: the defender must take a step before the dig.
- Then reading: live hitters, so defenders read the approach and the arm instead of the coach's signal.
- Then the next contact: the dig has to become a set and an attack. Scoring each rally makes it more game-like.
Judge readiness by the quality of the dig, not by touches: move on when many digs could be set, and step back when most are unplayable. Each drill page suggests a check under “When to progress”; adjust its numbers to your group.
Key coaching principles
- Stopped before contact. A defender who is still moving when the ball is hit reacts late. Teach a quick stop and a low, balanced stance as the hitter swings.
- Read the hitter. Watch the hitter's approach angle, shoulder and arm. The hitting shoulder often points toward the shot.
- Dig high to the setter target. A high dig gives the setter time to get there. Height first, accuracy second.
- Angle the platform, don't swing it. Against a hard hit, the arms absorb the ball and angle it back toward the target.
- Just keep it up. If you can't direct a dig, getting it high anywhere on your side still keeps the rally alive.
- Communicate. Call "mine" early and loud, and call "free" as soon as you see an easy ball coming.
Safety
Defense includes sprawls, rolls and dives. Teach them on a clean floor, with knee pads (strongly recommended for any drill with low positions or floor contact), at low speed first. Coaches hitting from a box should hit at the skill level of the group. See common injuries.
Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.
Watch: three defensive drills for small groups
Video: Junior Volleyball Association on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a dig go?
High to the setter target, between zones 2 and 3 and about 1–2 m (3–6 ft) off the net. The height gives the setter time to reach it, and the distance keeps the dig from drifting over the net.