The Downball Game: A Fast-Paced Drill to Reduce Freeballs and Build an Aggressive Offense
The Downball Game! If there’s one drill I use at every practice, it’s this one. While some coaches might worry that using the same drill each day would get repetitive, my players always look forward to it—and for good reason.
This drill isn’t just a fun warm-up; it’s a powerful tool for developing a strong back-row attack, reducing the number of freeballs your team sends over, and setting an intense tone for practice. If used consistently, it encourages players to be more aggressive in out-of-system situations and helps them develop confidence in attacking from anywhere on the court.
Why You Should Use the Downball Game in Every Practice
1. Reduces the Number of Freeballs Your Team Sends Over the Net
One of the biggest challenges at lower levels of volleyball is getting players to attack instead of just sending a freeball. If you’ve ever watched your team send an easy ball over when they had the chance to attack, you know how frustrating it can be!
By reinforcing downball and back-row attack habits, this drill trains players to think offensively, even when the ball isn’t perfectly set up for a front-row swing. Over time, they’ll instinctively look for opportunities to be more aggressive, making your team tougher to defend.
2. Fast-Paced and High-Intensity
If you want your team to start practice with energy, this is the drill for you!
No long rallies or slow resets—rotations happen mid-rally, keeping players engaged.
Encourages quick decision-making in transition.
Sets the tone for the rest of practice, preparing players for a competitive mindset.
Expect your team to move faster, communicate more, and develop better court awareness when this drill becomes part of your regular training.
How to Run the Drill
SETTING IT UP
Divide players into two teams.
Five players per side, no middle blocker.
Extra players stand near left front, ready to rotate in.
RUNNING THE DRILL
Start the rally with a freeball tossed across the net.
If a player executes a downball or back-row attack, their team rotates mid-rally.
If a team sends a freeball or a front-row player hits, they do not rotate.
If you have extra players, the person standing off near left front rotates onto the court while the left-back player steps off.
ENDING THE DRILL
You can finish the drill by:
Reaching a certain number of rotations
Achieving a set number of kills from a downball
Running it for a specific time (10-15 minutes is ideal)
💡 I like to finish with “one more kill” after 10-15 minutes to end on a competitive note—whoever gets the next kill wins!
What to Expect Over Time For New/Younger Players
After 1-2 Weeks:
Players will start getting comfortable with swinging from behind the 10-foot line.
Some will still hesitate and send over freeballs, but they’ll recognize when they should attack.
Overall movement and communication will improve.
Coach-Led Review: After the running the drill in a few practices, pull your team together and ask:
What feels different about hitting a downball instead of sending a freeball?
Do you feel more comfortable staying aggressive?
What’s the biggest challenge so far?
These discussions will help players reflect on their progress and give you insight into areas needing extra focus.
After 1 Month:
Players will attack more aggressively from the back row instead of defaulting to a freeball.
You’ll start seeing more confident downballs that challenge defenders.
Mid to Late Season:
Players will instinctively look for opportunities to attack, even when out of system.
The number of easy freeballs sent over will drop significantly.
Your team’s offense will be more dynamic and unpredictable, making it harder for opponents to anticipate your next move.
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Additional Resources to Maximize Your Training
Need to Teach Your Players How to Downball?
Before running this drill, make sure your players know how to hit a downball effectively. Follow this step-by-step guide for teaching back-row attacks:
🔗 Back Row Attack Progressions: Learning to Downball and Attack from the Back Row
Warm-Up for Success
Before jumping into this drill, use dynamic stretches to prep your players for quick movement and controlled attacks. Check out these stretching ideas:
🔗 Static and Dynamic Stretches for Volleyball Players
Track Player Progress with Goal Setting
Want to measure improvement over time? Use the Volleyball Goal Setting Packet to help players set aggressive attacking goals and track their progress.
🔗 Get the Goal Setting Packet Here
let’s Wrap it up…
The Downball Game is more than just a warm-up—it’s a tool for building a faster, more aggressive team while reducing the number of easy freeballs your team sends over the net. If used regularly, this drill will boost confidence and set a competitive tone for the rest of practice. Who doesn’t want that!?
📢 Now, I want to hear from you!
What’s your favorite warm-up drill and why? Comment below!
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