To dig effectively, players must get their hips under the ball. Two-time Olympian Cilene Drewnick, who played for the Brazil National Team from 1983 to 1997, trains her players to do this using the “elastic digging” drill.
- She runs an elastic cord between 2 poles to show players how low they need to be.
- Players assume “monkey” position — feet wide with arms hanging straight down.
- Players dig the ball below the guide rope as they shuffle from one point to another.
If players are in proper position, they’ll be able to pop the ball up and make the play.
