Game version
Volley rally: a pair volleys back and forth and counts clean volleys in a row, then swaps.
Split Step and Volley Hands
Split step, then catch a gentle toss out in front with a firm hand, the way a volley meets the ball early.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand in a ready stance 2 steps from a grown-up.
Core: Medium. Beat your own longest run of volleys.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- Soft ball or beanbag, grown-up to toss
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Net Play
The steps
How it works
- Stand in a ready stance 2 steps from a grown-up.
- Split step as they toss a soft ball to one side.
- Step toward it and catch it out in front with one hand, wrist firm.
- Do 20 catches, both sides.
Coaching point
Hop, step, catch it early.
Safety: Clear a small space with nothing to trip on or knock over. Stop if anything hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (close and slow), Core (medium), More (a step back). Beat your own longest run of volleys.
Story
You are a castle guard at the net, keeping every ball in play.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own longest run of volleys. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.