Block footwork without jumping

Setup & sequence

A signals from across the net. B works on their own side; no ball.

1. A points towards a marked left or right position.
2. B moves sideways, stops, and presents the hands.
3. B returns to the centre before the next signal.

Before you start

Comfortable lateral movement; clear net area.

2–4 players per station. With four, the player without a ball observes one cue or rehearses footwork in clear space; rotate every five attempts. For 12 players: three groups of four, provided lanes remain separated.

Starting dose

2 rounds of 6 direction cues; change roles every 3.

Observe & correct

Cue: Keep feet on your side and stop before presenting the hands.

Error → correction: B drifts under the net: move the starting line farther away.

Observable outcome: Six correctly directed balanced closes without crossing the centre line.

Adapt to the group

Easier: Use a known side and one short step.

Harder: Give the direction later; keep the feet on the ground.

Alternative setup: Use a floor line to represent the net; no jumps.