Exercise | 5 min | Sports Training

Volleyball Defense Drill: Sprawl Progression

This drill improves defensive positioning and body control for low, controlled ball recovery.

Fran Bolletino
Fran Bolletino
Volleyball Head Coach

Instructions: Start on one knee in a tall posture. Drive through the front leg into a low lunge, keeping your chest forward and hips low. Progress by finishing to the floor with your platform together and controlled. In later phases, begin in a low defensive stance, step toward the ball into a deep lunge, and finish with your platform set and balanced. Focus on a soft landing and quick recovery to return to position. Stay low, stay controlled, and use proper mechanics to protect your body and keep the ball playable.

Reps: 3–4 sets x 10 reps per phase

Join IMG Academy Essentials
Don't leave your development to chance. $10/month. Billed annually.
  • Training library: Access drills, workouts, and expert-led sessions.
  • Holistic development: Learn about mental performance, nutrition, & more.
  • Parent hub: Equip yourself to navigate your athlete’s biggest moments.

Train anywhere. Life is busy. Training & development should fit into it.

Get Started

Video Icon

100+ hours

Expert-led videos to improve performance and potential

File. Icon

50+ articles

Easy-to-follow articles from sports performance and recruiting experts

SneakerMove Icon

Self-paced

Access so your athlete can train on their schedule

Users Icon

1:1 Coaching

Priority access to upgrade into personalized 1:1 coaching

Develop the complete athlete

Talent isn’t enough. The best athletes train how they think, how they prepare, and how they recover. We’ve focused on the areas that matter most for student-athletes today, so your family can spend less time guessing and more time growing.

View Full Catalog

Mental Edge

Your athlete will learn the exact visualization, focus, and mindset tools used by elite competitors, so when the pressure is on, they don’t shrink.

Explore

Smart Fueling

Help your athlete understand nutrition, hydration, energy and recovery systems, so they stay strong, energized, and ready to compete in any sport.

Explore

Sports Training

Develop speed, power, and endurance with purpose-driven training, plus injury prevention and recovery strategies to stay in 
the game.

Explore

College Recruiting

We break recruiting down into a clear, proven roadmap, so your athlete stands out, and you know exactly what steps to take next, including 
NIL guidance.

Explore

See what's possible with IMG Academy Essentials.

Join Free Today