Dig to Target Drill

Dig to target is a defense drill where a coach hits controlled balls at a defender, who digs each ball high to a target near the net in zone 2/3. The goal is not just to touch the ball, but to dig it high enough and close enough to the target that a setter could run an attack. It is easy to set up and works from beginner to advanced.

Focus

Stance, platform angle, dig accuracy

Level

Beginner and up

Players

2–6 + coach

Time

10–15 minutes

Equipment

10–20 balls, knee pads, a target

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Purpose

Teach defenders to be balanced and stopped before the hit, then angle their platform to send the ball high toward a setter target. It builds the habit of digging to a spot.

Players and equipment

• 1 coach (hitter) and 1 ball feeder who hands balls to the coach.
• 1 defender working at a time, with 2–5 waiting.
• 1 target: a player or setter standing at the net in zone 2/3, or a hoop or basket held at about head height.
• 10–20 balls in a cart.
• Knee pads for defenders.

Setup

• The defender starts in zone 5 (back left), about 1 m inside the end line and 1 m in from the sideline.
• The coach stands on the same side of the net near zone 4 (front left) or on the opposite side of the net facing zone 5. For beginners, the coach stands on the same side, about 4–5 m away, so the hit is easy to see.
• The target stands at the net in zone 2/3, just right of the middle, about 1 m off the net.
• Waiting defenders line up outside the end line behind zone 5.
• Rotate the station to zone 1 (back right) and zone 6 (back middle) later.

How to run it

1. The defender takes a ready stance: feet a bit wider than shoulders, knees bent, weight forward, arms out in front.
2. The coach slaps the ball or holds it up as a signal, then hits a controlled ball at the defender.
3. The defender stops, stays low, and makes a platform with the arms.
4. The defender angles the platform so the ball goes high toward the target.
5. The target catches the ball and rolls it back to the feeder.
6. The defender does 5–8 digs in a row, then the next player steps in.
7. Score each dig: 2 = target could set it easily, 1 = playable, 0 = not playable.

Watch it

AVCA Video Tip of the Week: Knockout Digging Drill

Video: AVCA Volleyball on YouTube. In this version players dig and catch their own ball inside a target box, knockout style. Wear knee pads. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Coaching cues

• "Stop, then dig." Be still when the coach hits.
• "Low and wide."
• "Arms out early." The platform is ready before the ball arrives.
• "Angle, don't swing." Point the platform at the target.
• "High to the middle." Height gives the setter time.
• "Eyes on the hitter's arm."

Common mistakes

• Swinging the arms: the ball shoots over the net or into the stands. Cue "quiet arms" and let the ball rebound.
• Standing up tall: the defender straightens the legs as the ball comes. Cue "stay low through the dig."
• Facing the coach, not the target: the dig goes back to the hitter. Turn the platform toward zone 2/3.
• Moving as the coach hits: the defender is caught off balance. Cue "stop on the hit."
• Hits too hard for the level: players can't succeed. Coaches should hit at a speed where most digs are playable.

Make it easier or harder

• Regression: coach tosses underhand instead of hitting. Then hits from the same side at low speed.
• Progression 1: coach hits slightly left or right so the defender must move one step, stop and dig.
• Progression 2: coach stands on a sturdy box across the net in zone 4 and hits down at the defender (a more game-like angle). Only use a box built for that purpose, with a spotter.
• Progression 3: add a live setter at the target who sets the dig to a hitter, who attacks back.
• Progression 4: two defenders (zones 5 and 6) must call "mine" before digging.
• Game: first defender to 10 points (with the 2-1-0 scoring) wins.

Time

10–15 minutes. 5–8 digs per turn, 3–4 turns per player.

Safety

Defenders wear knee pads. Keep loose balls out of the defender's area. Coaches hit at a speed matched to the group and never at a player who is not ready. If using a box, it must be stable, and only the coach stands on it. Teach sprawls and rolls at low speed before adding balls that need them. 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.

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