Coach-on-Box Digging
A coach on a box hits real attacks at defenders, who dig them up to the setter’s spot. The closest thing to game-speed defence without a full team.
- Focus
- Digging hard-driven balls
- Level
- Intermediate
- Players
- 3+
- Equipment
- A sturdy box, 10+ balls, a net
- Time
- 10 min
Side view: the coach on the box attacks, and the defender digs the ball up to the setter’s spot.
📍 Setup
The coach stands on a box on the far side. A defender plays in zone 5 or 1, with a target at the setter’s spot.
🪜 How to run it
- The defender starts in a low, wide defensive stance, weight forward.
- The coach hits at, or just around, the defender.
- The defender keeps the platform out in front and absorbs the ball so it goes up, not back over.
- The target catches the dig and returns the ball to the coach.
- After 8 balls, rotate.
🏆 Scoring
One point for a dig the target catches, half a point for a dig that stays up on your side.
⚠️ Safety: Use a stable box. Coaches should aim at the body and arms, not the face, especially with younger players.
🧑🏫 Coaching this drill
What success looks like
Digs go up and toward the middle of the court, at least 3 m high.
Coaching cues
Common mistakes
- Moving while the coach hits. Fix: Be set (feet still) as the coach contacts the ball.
- Digs fly over the net. Fix: Drop the platform angle and let the arms give a little on contact.
➖ Make it easier
The coach hits from the floor at medium pace, straight at the defender.
➕ Make it harder
The coach hits harder and mixes in tips and line shots; add a second defender who must communicate.
When to move on
When 6 of 8 digs are catchable, add a second defender and a blocker.