Arms-over defending at 0.9 m

Setup

1. Groups of three: a feeder, an attacker 8 m away and a defender beside the attacker.
2. Show everyone the 0.9 m distance first with the rope: about one big step.

How it runs

1. The feeder passes to the attacker, who catches and lands.
2. The defender steps out to 0.9 m from the landing foot and lifts both arms over the ball.
3. The attacker has 3 seconds to pass back to the feeder; the defender tries to touch the ball.
4. Six goes each, then swap jobs.

Coaching points

• Measure 0.9 m from the attacker's landing foot to your nearest foot.
• Arms up and out over the ball, leaning forward from the hips, not stepping in.
• Follow the ball with your hands; stay on balance.
• No contact: if you touch the attacker, it is a penalty.

Common mistakes

• Standing too close (obstruction) or so far away there is no pressure.
• Arms waving wildly instead of tracking the ball.
• Leaning so far forward the defender falls into the attacker.