Working in pairs, one player sets the ball to the their partner who moves to meet the ball using good footwork to bump the ball back to their partner who catches the ball.
Ensure the player bumping the ball lets the ball bounce on their wrists and only makes minor adjustments to give direction to the ball (back to the setter).
The setter shouldn't have to move to receive the return pass, only the player digging the ball should move to get themselves in a position where they can get under the ball.
Players must perform this skill 5 times before swapping roles.
Progression:
Players can try to perform this skill continuously, without catching the ball.
Most teams win the dig and then hand the point straight back with a slow, predictable transition swing. The best 2026 sides treat the moment after the dig as their sharpest scoring chance, feeding the middle in transition and running first-tempo attacks off a defensive ball.
When the first pass breaks down, most teams collapse into a high ball straight into the opposing block. The best 2026 sides are building structured out-of-system offences that turn broken plays into scoring chances using libero sets, left-side options and disciplined hitter routes.
The modern pipe attack has evolved from a high middle-back set into a flat, fast weapon that arrives at quick tempo. Coaches at every level are now drilling it as a primary scoring option, forcing blockers into impossible decisions and unlocking four-hitter offences.
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