Register TODAY! for my
Coach April's
May 16 -17 and 30 -31
Spiking and Hitting clinics
Email: info@improveyourvolley.com for info or to register for this weekend's clinics!
- Improve Your Volleyball with Coach April
- The Best Volleyball Drills
- Volleyball Defensive Drills You Can Do To Help Your Dig Ball Control
Volleyball Defensive Drills You Can Do To Help Your Dig Ball Control
3 hitting and digging volleyball defensive drills that you can do at home to help increase your ball control skills when playing defense in the back court.
Learn three new hitting and digging volleyball defensive drills without a net you can do regularly at home or in your next volleyball practice and/or classes.
'Three Spikers and One Digger" Volleyball Defensive Drills Without A Net
'Three Spikers and One Digger" Volleyball Drill
Digging line, digging middle, digging cross court.
Working on
- improving your digging form
- Making a playable ball inside the ten foot line that a setter can get to.
- Keeping the digging platform two inches below belly button level and not swinging the arms but freezing the platform on ball contact so you just redirect hard hits to the intended target
- Diggers stay for 3,4,5 rounds in a row
- Hitters work on correct hitting form ...contacting the ball high... like they would if they were hitting on the net.
Is it me or does this feel like a video game?
Three Different Hits and Three Digs
Volleyball Defensive Drills Without A Net
Three Different Hits and Three Digs
The Libero workout.
Three balls to the target. A hard hit. A tip. A deep ball to the corner to chase down.
Working on...
- Libero training digging three types of attacked balls...
- digging the hard hit
- reading then chasing down the tip while trying to stay on your feet
- running down the deep shot to the far Zone 5 corner while trying to stay on your feet
- digging a settable ball (high in the court as near to Zone 3 - middle front- as possible) if not possible then to the middle of the court
- getting comfortable covering the entire zone 5 left back area of the court while taking only 3 - 4 steps to get to each ball
- reading fast and reacting fast while controlling our body parts so we can control the ball
"The Two on Two"
Volleyball Defensive Drills Without A Net
Volleyball Defensive Drills
"The Two on Two" Volleyball Drill
"The Two on Two" Volleyball Drill
Working on.....Line and cross court digging reps
Hitters are in zone 4 and zone 2.
Two diggers in zone 5 and zone 6.
Two targets catching the balls while standing on the other side of the hitters ball court
First Zone 5 digger digs the line ball hit by hitter in Zone 4. (Brandon in turquoise shirt)
They dig ball to target close to Coach Brandon basket.
At the same time hitter in zone 2 hits to digger in Zone 6 who digs the ball back to the target standing in zone 3/2.
Then digger in zone 5 does a quarter turn and faces hitter in Zone 2 who hits at them to dig the ball to their target standing in zone 3/2.
At the same time digger in zone 6 does a quarter turn to their left and digs the ball cross court that was hit from the hitter in zone 4 (Coach Brandon).
Hitters don’t hit until they have the eye contact of the digger .
- Diggers working on staying low even during their turn as they prep to dig the next ball
- Diggers working on target practice
- Diggers work on keeping hips below the level of the oncoming ball
- Do for time or do after setting a goal for perfect digs to the target
Learn More About Defensive Specialists in Volleyball
Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball's Defensive Position
1. What is a defensive specialist in volleyball?
A defensive specialist is a back-row player who is usually the best on the team when it comes to defensive skills like digging, passing, serving and serve receive.
They're crucial team members who help defend their court by preventing opponents' attacks from hitting the floor and scoring and help to maintain the rally momentum with precise ball control.
2. How is a defensive specialist different from a libero?
While both positions focus on defense, defensive specialists follow regular substitution rules and attack the ball from the backrow, whereas liberos have unique substitution privileges but cannot serve in most leagues.
Unlike the libero, defensive specialists can jump and hit the ball from the backrow, and they wear the same colored jersey as the other members on the team and must be substituted within the substitution zone, following standard volleyball substitution rules.
3. What skills should a defensive specialist focus on?
What my defensive players focus on during private training lessons with me include:
- Reading opponent attacks and anticipating where the attacked ball once it passes the blockers hands will land in the court and be there ahead of time to dig the ball back up
- Quick upper and lower body to the a ball or to the ground reaction time in addition to being agile and quick enough to make diving saves to keep the ball off the floor
- Developing precise volleyball passing technique for serve receive and increased ball control skills during long rallies
- Excellent communication skills with teammates in order to talk about quickly what is happening and what is about to happen during a rally
- Strategic positioning and court awareness
- Developing a consistent serving ability in order to be a dependable point scoring player on the team
- Working on forward backward and side setting volleyball skills from the left side of the court
4. Why did you choose an alligator to represent defensive specialists?
First of all I love reptiles and I chose the alligator because of its natural defensive characteristics including
- lightning-quick reflexes
- low-to-ground positioning
- incredible reaction speed
- the ability to barrel roll repeatedly while controlling their body parts and not get dizzy
Just as alligators protect their territory with unbelievable laser focus and aggressive response, defensive specialists are responsible for guarding their court with similar intensity and determination.
5. What are the key defensive positions on the court?
The main back row defensive positions include:
- Position 5 (left back): Primary defense against outside hitters
- Position 6 (middle back): Central defensive coordinator
- Position 1 (right back): Defense against opposite hitters
6. How can I improve my defensive reactions?
Enhance your defensive reactions through:
- Regular agility drills
- Vision training exercises
- Platform control practice
- Quick-response drills
- Game-like scenario training
- Consistent footwork practice
- Mental preparation techniques
7. What equipment does a defensive specialist need?
Essential equipment includes:
- Knee pads for floor protection
- Comfortable, lightweight shoes with good grip
- Moisture-wicking clothing
- Position-specific training aids
- Protective gear for diving practice
- My motivational alligator shirt for mental preparation and motivation
8. How do I know if the defensive specialist position is right for me?
You might be perfect for this position if you:
- may not be the tallest on your team but love the challenge of keeping balls off the floor
- have quick reflexes and good court reading skills and enjoy analyzing which balls will be your responsibility and which ones will be for your teammates on defense
- enjoy the strategic aspects of defense which include anticipating where and how fast the opposing team's setter is going to run their offensive plays and deliver sets to which hitter
- don't mind diving, hitting the floor, getting dirty and doing the 'dirty' work
excel in high-pressure situations which often happen in long rallies and with tie scores close to game-point situations where one point or two points needed to sideout can make a difference with a missed pass or a serve that's out- communicate well with teammates both on serve receive and on defense
9. What are the most important defensive drills?
Some critical volleyball defensive drills include:
- Down-ball reaction drills like the Hit and Dig drill
- Diving and rolling exercises which I include in my pre-game warmup team drills and pre-practice client drills so my players have hit the floor a number of times before we even begin our sessions or the game
- Cross-court defensive coverage in drills that focus on digging the cross court hitters because that's where the majority of the balls are attacked to
- Tip coverage drills because diggers need to be able to cover the court quickly with the least amount of steps to dig balls tipped over the block close to the ten foot line
- Serve receive drills so that primary passers and defensive specialists know where to be in each serve receive passing rotation when running plays on offense like the 5-1 offense or the 6-2 offense
- Out of system drills that rehearse emergency plays that happen when the first pass doesnt get to the setter
- Team defensive formations like the man-back defense, the man-up defense or the rotation defense
10. How can wearing your position-specific gear possibly help improve your mental performance and self confidence?
My volleyball position inspired shirts, posters, aprons, stickers, hoodies and sweatshirts like my alligator shirt can:
- Boost confidence through position identity
- Remind players of their defensive mindset
- Create team unity through shared symbolism
- Reinforce defensive specialist pride
- Maintain focus on defensive responsibilities
- Inspire peak performance through visual motivation
- Improve and grow self confidence among shorter players who're often the
Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?
Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience.
These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis.
Sign up now!Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!
I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.
Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.
If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list.
If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.
Struggling with passing consistency?
I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.
Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.
AUTHOR BIO
April Chapple is an elite private volleyball trainer, former USA National Team member, and University of Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee who has coached in Las Vegas for 15+ years, training hundreds of athletes and helping numerous players reach college volleyball, including Division I standouts.
She's also the head coach for girls and boys 18s at Squad VBC and offers coaches consulting on technical teaching and player development. Connect with April on LinkedIn or at ImproveYourVolley.com, where her eye for overlooked talent sets her apart.
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Honored At UTK Champions Weekend
Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.
- the first First Round Draft Pick for the first American pro indoor women's league
- named to the first First Team All-Pro team for Major League Volleyball in USA volleyball history
- former USA National team member
- one of the few American women players named as an Italian Pro League D-I Championship Finalist, Italian Cup Finalist and Cup of Cups Tournament Finalist
April Chapple The first First round Draft Pick For Major League Volleyball the first American Women's Pro League Honored At Athlete Unlimited Pro Volleyball Match
Coach April's 2026-27 Private and Semi private Volleyball Training
Pre-Registration now open for 2026-27 Private and Semiprivate Training Sessions with Coach April . Get prepared for club tryouts or train with me during club season!
Email now for information on semiprivate or private indoor skills, individual or small group training volleyball classes and my Breakfast Club for College Players training for 2026-27.
Invest in your improvement while preepping for your next level and college goals while working hard and training smart.
Email me right now to register or for more information.
info@improveyourvolley.com
Affiliate Disclosure
If you make a purchase through a link on my site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I only recommend products that I believe to have good value. Click to read my
Donations Welcome!
If my free social media online training and/or instruction on this site has helped improve your game or meet your goals CLICK the Cash App link below to make a donation!
Thank you!
Can't hire a private trainer?
Get my Targeted Volleyball Checklist Bundles by Skill Level
(only $27 each)
Bundle #1:
Complete Beginner Serving System - $27
Complete Beginner Serving System: The Ultimate Support System for Beginners
Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:
🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide - $7
Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon
Stop letting pressure situations destroy your serves?
You'll Get
- ✓3-bounce physical preparation setup system
- ✓Mental routine for target pre-selection and visualization
- ✓Technical execution checklist for automatic consistency
- ✓Proven tips for bulletproof toss consistency
- ✓Pressure-proof strategies that eliminate serving errors
Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played) Checklist pdf:
🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves Guide - $7
You'll Get:
✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback.
✓Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness.
✓Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly.
✓Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment.
✓Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development.
✓Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?
What Are You Looking For?
Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:
🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -
Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon
Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf
🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide
Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.
Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!
Stay strong! Stay motivated!
-Coach April
SUSCRIBE to my email newsletter below!
Click to learn more about the weekly volleyball classes and clinics or email info@imrpoveyourvolley.com for information
Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
A-1 Vegas Volley VBC
In It To Win It Tournament
May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament
Gold Medalists
18s Premier Division
Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts
Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?
Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.
You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me, Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.
Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!
Recent Articles
-
Team Building Activities for Volleyball: A Freshman Coach's Guide
May 12, 26 11:05 PM
Boost Your Freshmen Team's Chemistry! Discover fun and effective team building activities for volleyball freshmen players to improve communication and teamwork. -
2 High School Volleyball Tips On How To Use Your Communications Skills
May 10, 26 12:21 AM
One of my high school volleyball tips is to be the back row quarterback who maximizes your communication skills to help guide your team through every play. -
How To Improve In Volleyball The Volleycats Elite Volleyball Club Way
May 10, 26 12:17 AM
When I became club director of my own Volleycats Elite Club I created a strategic practice and conditioning plan for players on how to improve in volleyball.