Game version
Toss-and-hit pairs: a partner tosses and you approach and hit to a target zone, then swap. The pair counts clean hits together.
Approach Timing Game
Start your approach at the right moment by watching the ball reach its peak.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A partner sets or tosses high.
Core: Approach. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Volleyball, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Hitting
The steps
How it works
- A partner sets or tosses high.
- Begin your approach as the ball reaches its highest point.
- Jump and catch the ball high in front of your hitting shoulder.
- Do 12 approaches.
Coaching point
Wait, then go.
Safety: Keep the jump count low (stop at the number in the steps) and land on two feet with soft knees. Stop if your knees hurt. At a net, jump and land on your own side, under yourself, and never cross the centerline.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (stand and hit), Core (approach), More (call the zone first). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are a thunderbolt: one clean approach, one bright flash.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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