The “Keep the Lead” Drill: Mastering Momentum, Closing Games & Fighting Back
In volleyball, no lead is safe until the final point is scored! Some of the most frustrating losses come when teams are ahead but become too comfortable, losing momentum and allowing an opponent to come back and win. At the same time, teams that are behind need to develop the mentality to stay in the fight, chip away at the lead, and eventually overtake their opponent.
The “Keep the Lead” drill serves both purposes:
The leading team learns how to stay aggressive and finish the match rather than playing “not to lose.”
The trailing team gains experience in fighting back and turning the tide, a critical skill in competitive volleyball.
By recreating real match scenarios, this drill prepares teams for the intensity of late-game pressure, third-set battles, and must-win situations.
Drill Objectives
For the Leading Team: Learning to Finish Strong
Play to win—stay aggressive and avoid playing it safe.
Stay mentally locked in—don’t allow a comeback.
Keep communication high and confidence strong.
For the Trailing Team: Learning to Fight Back
Have a plan for attacking out of serve receive – Since the trailing team is always receiving serve, attack strategies should target the opponent’s weaknesses (e.g., aiming at weaker passers, hitting deep corners, or using smart off-speed shots).
Support each other through momentum swings – Staying positive, celebrating small wins, and maintaining high-energy communication will help the team stay engaged and confident.
Adopt a "next point" mindset – Instead of focusing on the gap in the score, reset mentally after each rally and focus on winning the next point, knowing that momentum can swing at any time.
For Both Teams:
Learn to manage momentum, improve pressure serving, and develop better late-game execution.
Drill Setup
1. Team Division & Score Setup
Divide players into two teams for a full scrimmage with rotations, subs, and normal match rules.
One team starts with a lead (e.g., 10-6, 15-10, or 20-16) to simulate real match scenarios.
The trailing team must fight back, while the leading team must hold their advantage and finish strong.
2. Serving & Rotation Rules
The leading team ALWAYS serves, regardless of whether they win or lose the rally.
The trailing team must receive the serve until they are ahead by one point to earn a chance to serve and gain momentum.
Normal volleyball rules apply, including substitutions and rotational changes (players may switch teams if necessary).
3. Balancing Uneven Teams (Coaches Playing In)
If teams are lopsided or short on players, a coach can step in to keep the game competitive.
Coaches should only play to maintain flow, not to dominate weaker or younger teams.
4. How to Win the Drill
Play until one team reaches 25 points (or another predetermined target).
If a scenario ends too quickly (e.g., 23-20 finishes fast), teams must win 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 5 game scenarios, changing the starting score each round.
Drill Variations
1. "No Comfort Zone" Rule
Once the leading team reaches 23 points, they must win two points in a row to finish the drill.
This forces them to execute under game-finishing pressure.
2. "Momentum BONUS"
If the trailing team wins three points in a row, they earn an extra point.
Puts extra pressure on both teams as the score gets closer, just like in a real match.
3. Third-Set Simulation (First to 8 Points)
Start at 0-0, flip for serve, and play to 8 points.
This simulates third-set side-switch pressure, a key mental battle in matches to 15.
Final Thoughts
The "Keep the Lead" drill is a game-changer for teams that struggle with closing out sets or battling back under pressure. By running this drill regularly, players will develop the mental toughness, strategic execution, and confidence needed to dominate in high-stakes moments.
Add this drill to your next practice plan, and watch your team rise to the challenge!
Coaching Tools to Enhance This Drill
✅ Whiteboard for Score Tracking – Keep track of game scenarios and shifting leads so players can see the momentum shifts happening in real-time. A double-sided portable magnetic whiteboard is ideal for this drill (and lots of other practice scenarios!). Check it out here.
✅ Volleyball Goal Setting Packet – Since this drill focuses heavily on mental toughness and execution under pressure, consider using goal-setting to help players reflect on their performance and set personal or team goals for closing out games or making comebacks. Learn more here.