Okay, so today I wanted to get my volleyball team warmed up and ready to go, but I didn’t want to do the same old boring drills. I decided to try some “lead-up games,” which are basically mini-games that focus on specific volleyball skills. Let me tell you how it went!
Setting the Stage
First, I gathered my team and explained the plan. I could see some skeptical looks, especially from the veterans who are used to their routine. But I pushed on, promising them it would be fun and beneficial.
Game 1: Pepper with a Twist
We started with a classic pepper drill – you know, bump, set, spike, repeat with a partner. But to make it more interesting, I added a rule: every three successful reps, they had to switch positions. This forced them to practice all the basic skills and kept them moving. It was chaotic at first, with balls flying everywhere, but they quickly adapted and started having a blast.
Game 2: Target Practice
Next, I set up some targets on the court – cones, hula hoops, even some strategically placed water bottles. The goal was simple: serve the ball and try to hit the targets. This helped them work on their serving accuracy and control. We made it a competition, with points awarded for hitting different targets. The competitive spirit definitely kicked in, and they were really focused on hitting those marks.
Game 3: No-Block Scramble
For the last game, I divided the team into two groups and had them play a mini-game with no blocking allowed. This encouraged them to focus on their digging and setting skills, since they couldn’t rely on blocking to save them. It also forced the hitters to be more creative with their shots. It was fast-paced and a bit messy, but they were diving all over the place and making some incredible saves.
- All movement.
- diving everywhere.
- Making saves.
The Aftermath
By the end of the session, everyone was sweaty, energized, and smiling. Even the skeptical veterans admitted that it was a fun and effective way to warm up. They felt more prepared for practice, both physically and mentally. I noticed that their touches were sharper, their communication was better, and their overall energy was higher.
So, my experiment with lead-up games was a success! It’s definitely something I’ll incorporate into our warm-up routine more often. It’s a great way to keep things fresh, engage the players, and develop their skills in a fun and dynamic way. I recommend giving it a try with your own team – you might be surprised at the results!
