Line and Cross Targets

Hitters attack set balls at two targets: one down the line, one deep cross-court. Teaches hitters to choose a direction instead of hitting at the middle.

Focus

Attack direction

Level

Intermediate

Players

3+ (setter, hitters, shaggers)

Equipment

10+ balls, a net, 2 targets

Time

10–15 min

Bird’s-eye view: set to the outside hitter, attack down the line; the faint line shows the cross-court shot.

📍 Setup

Place one target in the opponent’s deep line corner and one deep cross-court. Hitters approach from the left side.

🪜 How to run it

1. The coach tosses to the setter, who sets the hitter at the left antenna.
2. The coach calls “line” or “cross” as the setter releases the ball.
3. Line: shoulders face the sideline and the hitter contacts the inside of the ball.
4. Cross: the hitter turns the shoulders through the ball toward the far corner.
5. Shaggers collect balls and return them to the coach.

🏆 Scoring

Two points for hitting the called target, one for landing in the correct half (line or cross). Play to 15.

🧑‍🏫 Coaching this drill

What success looks like

The hitter changes direction without changing the approach — the defence can’t read it early.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Line attacks go wide. Fix: Contact the inside half of the ball and keep the wrist straight toward the line.
• Showing the direction early. Fix: Keep the approach the same for both; turn only at contact.

When to move on

When the hitter scores 15 in fewer than 12 swings, add a blocker.