Session 1 · THRIVE: Improve
Find the space
- 8 minTeam warm-up led by the warm-up leaders.
- 15 minKeep-ball in a grid, 3 v 1 then 4 v 2 (Activity: 'Keep-ball tactics'). Coaches look for passing into space and moving after you pass.
- 7 minTactic talk: in attack, spread out, support the ball carrier, go forward. In defence, close space, mark a player, pressure the ball.
- 15 minSmall-sided touch or hockey game. Statisticians tally completed passes and turnovers for each team.
- 5 minTeam huddle: which tactic worked? Set one team goal for next time using your stats.
Session 2 · THRIVE: Improve
Aim for the gaps
- 8 minWarm-up: partner catching with a soft ball, moving your feet to get behind it.
- 15 minTarget practice over a low net or rope: score points by landing the ball in hoops placed in the empty spaces (Activity: 'Space invaders').
- 20 minPlay modified volleyball or newcomb: catch and throw allowed, three touches per side. Coaches remind players to send the ball where the other team isn't.
- 7 minCompare: how is finding space in a net game different from an invasion game?
Getting started
Make the grids bigger or add an extra attacker if keeping the ball is too hard.
Stretch
Draw your team's best play as a diagram with arrows for the ball and for players' runs.
Checkpoint
You can explain and show at least one attacking tactic and one defending tactic, and your team has a goal based on its stats.
Activities for this week
- Keep-ball tactics: How do you keep the ball when defenders are closing in?
- Space invaders: Where should you send the ball in a net game?
Useful this week
- Volleyball New Zealand ↗ Rules and ways into a fast net game.