Approach and Catch

A coach tosses a high ball and the hitter does a full approach and catches it at the highest point. Grooves the footwork and timing before adding the swing.

Focus

Approach footwork and timing

Level

Beginner

Players

2+

Equipment

1 ball per toss, a net

Time

8–10 min

Side view: the hitter waits for the toss, approaches and catches the ball at the top of the jump.

📍 Setup

Hitters line up outside the court at the left side, about 4 m from the net. The coach stands at the setter’s spot.

🪜 How to run it

1. The coach tosses a high ball to about 1 m off the net in zone 4.
2. The hitter waits until the ball is at its highest, then starts the approach (left–right–left for right-handers).
3. The last two steps are fast, with both arms swinging back and then up.
4. The hitter jumps and catches the ball with both hands at the highest point, in front of the hitting shoulder.
5. Land on both feet, then go to the back of the line.

🏆 Scoring

One point each time the ball is caught at full reach in front of the hitting shoulder.

🧑‍🏫 Coaching this drill

What success looks like

The hitter jumps up, not into the net, and meets the ball at full height.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Starting the approach too early. Fix: Wait until the ball peaks. Being late is easier to fix than being early.
• Jumping forward into the net. Fix: Plant the last step with the heel first to turn forward speed into height.

When to move on

When the hitter catches 8 of 10 at full reach, swap the catch for a swing.