Free Ball Wave volleyball drill. Why do we call it that? Well, it’s simple really. Donnie tosses a free ball to the passer (she passes it perfectly because it’s a free ball and those are easy). Then the setter and hitters run the combination plays he calls out. After the hit, the next group/wave steps up. This drill is convenient for transitioning and running plays in a controlled setting.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Have 2 groups of hitters: 1 outside, 1 middle, 1 rightside
2. Before starting the drill, determine 3 different plays and name them 1, 2 and 3 (e.g., Play #1: outside hits a shoot, middle hits a 1 and rightside hits a slide. Plays 2 and 3 should include different sets for all the hitters).
3. Just before throwing in a free ball, call out “1, 2 or 3.” The players are responsible for remembering each call.
4. After one group hits, the next group runs right up to the net (as if preparing to block).

Have an interesting combination play? Feel free to share it in the comments below!