Hitting Lines Drill

Hitting lines are the classic attack drill: players take turns approaching from one zone, hitting a tossed or set ball, then collecting their ball and rotating. They work best with targets on the far side and a clear goal for each round, such as "hit cross-court into zone 5." Keep lines short so players get enough swings without waiting too long.

Focus

Approach timing, shot choice

Level

Beginner to advanced

Players

4–12

Time

10–20 minutes

Equipment

1 ball per player, net, 3–4 targets

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Purpose

Give hitters many game-like swings from one position, with a clear target, so they learn timing with a setter and practice hitting to a spot instead of just over the net.

Players and equipment

• 4–12 players. Over about 8, run two lines on two courts or from two zones.
• 1 setter or a coach as the feeder.
• 1 ball per player in a cart or a feeder's hands.
• 3–4 targets on the far side: cones, hoops, towels or chairs.
• 1 or 2 ball collectors on the far side.

Setup

• The feeder (coach or setter) stands at the net in zone 2/3, a little right of the middle of the court.
• Hitters line up outside the sideline next to zone 4 (front left), behind the attack line.
• A ball passer or "tosser" stands in zone 6 (back middle) and hands balls to the setter, or the coach tosses straight to the setter.
• On the far side, place targets in zone 1 (deep line), zone 5 (deep cross-court) and zone 6 (deep middle).
• Ball collectors stand outside the far sideline and return balls to the cart between turns.

How to run it

1. The first hitter steps into the court at the attack line in zone 4.
2. The ball goes to the setter, who sets a high ball to zone 4, about 0.5–1 m off the net.
3. The hitter approaches, jumps and hits toward the target named for this round.
4. The hitter lands on two feet, then jogs around the post (never under the net while balls are being hit) to collect their ball.
5. After collecting balls, the player returns to the back of the hitting line.
6. Every 8–10 swings, change the target or the zone (for example, move the line to zone 2).

Watch it

Hitting Lines Made Easy: Volleyball Drill For All Levels

Video: Defying Gravity Volleyball on YouTube. Version 2 adds a block-then-transition start at the net. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Coaching cues

• "Wait, then go." Start the approach as the set leaves the setter's hands, not before.
• "Get behind the ball." The ball should end up in front of the hitting shoulder.
• "Pick the spot early." Look at the target as you jump.
• "Hand on top." A firm wrist snap over the ball keeps it in the court.
• "Land and cover." After landing, take a ready stance for a moment before collecting balls.

Common mistakes

• Lines too long: players wait more than a minute between swings. Split into two lines or add a second feeder.
• Starting too early: the hitter runs under the ball. Cue "wait, then go."
• Swinging only at full power: the ball goes long or into the net. Ask for 70 percent power into the target first.
• Never changing zones: players only learn one angle. Rotate the line to zone 2 and zone 3.
• Unsafe ball collecting: players run under the net while others are hitting. Make a rule: collect balls only along the outside of the court.

Make it easier or harder

• Regression: coach tosses from zone 3 instead of a set. Or hitters stand at the net and hit a self-toss over (no jump).
• Progression 1: add a scoring goal, such as 3 points for a target hit, 1 for in-bounds.
• Progression 2: add one blocker on the far side in zone 2. Hitters practice hitting around or off the block.
• Progression 3: start each rep with the hitter passing a free ball from the coach, then approaching (adds transition).
• Progression 4: add a defender in the target zone who tries to dig the attack.

Time

10–20 minutes. Rotate targets every 8–10 swings; switch zones halfway.

Safety

Hitting lines involve many jumps in a short time. Warm up fully, limit the number of swings per player, and remove stray balls from the hitting side before each rep. Ball collectors stay outside the sideline. Players on the far side should never stand in a target zone unless they are the active defender in a progression. See warm-up and 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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