Library/Practice Drills/6 vs 6 competitive drill Going for first ball kills

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6 vs 6 competitive drill Going for first ball kills

Diane Flick-Williams • The Art of Coaching Volleyball

Head Coach, Western Washington University

Session Overview

Diane Flick-Williams presents '1 Swing, 2 Times, 3 Chances,' a 6v6 rotational chase drill where teams race through all six rotations by terminating on the first serve-receive swing (First-Ball Kills).

Core Biomechanical & Tactical Principles

To rotate in this drill, the receiving team must earn two First-Ball Kills (FBK) within a maximum of three rallies won.
If the receiving team wins the rally on a longer transition play rather than on the first swing, they stay alive and earn another serve-receive chance.
Losing any rally immediately hands serve-receive over to the opposing team, creating intense urgency on every first contact.

Verbal Coaching Cues for Practice:

"Hunt the first-ball kill on serve receive""Win the rally to earn another swing""Passers hold the seam against angled serves"

Why Recommended for Coaches:

Trains passers, setters, and hitters to prioritize aggressive first-ball sideout termination rather than just keeping the ball in play.

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Key Coaching Cues

"Hunt the first-ball kill on serve receive"

"Win the rally to earn another swing"

"Passers hold the seam against angled serves"

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