Block the Coach (Box Hitting)
A coach on a box hits balls at the net and the blocker times the jump to stuff them. Realistic timing without needing a setter and hitter.
- Focus
- Block timing and hand position
- Level
- Intermediate
- Players
- 2–6
- Equipment
- A sturdy box, balls, a net
- Time
- 8–10 min
Side view: the coach on the box hits, and the blocker times the jump to stuff the ball back down.
📍 Setup
The coach stands on a box on the far side, close to the net. Blockers line up on the near side.
🪜 How to run it
- The coach tosses to themself and hits down into the blocker’s hands.
- The blocker watches the coach’s arm, not the ball, and jumps just after the coach.
- Hands go over the net, fingers spread, thumbs up, angled down into the court.
- Land on two feet and turn to look where the ball went.
- Rotate blockers after 5 attacks.
🏆 Scoring
Two points for a stuff block (ball lands on the coach’s side), one for a soft block that keeps the ball up on your side.
⚠️ Safety: Check the box is stable and has a non-slip top. Blockers should not reach under the net.
🧑🏫 Coaching this drill
What success looks like
The ball hits the hands and goes straight down on the attacker’s side.
Coaching cues
Common mistakes
- Jumping at the same time as the hitter (too early). Fix: Start the jump a moment after the coach. Higher, faster hitters need a later jump.
- Hands too far apart. Fix: Keep the hands closer than the width of a ball.
➖ Make it easier
The coach hits slower balls right into the hands.
➕ Make it harder
The coach mixes in tips and hits off the hands, so the blocker must stay strong and seal the net.
When to move on
When the blocker stuffs or soft-blocks 7 of 10, add a second blocker and practise closing the block.