How to Run a Cross Play in Volleyball

"A good cross play will make your opponents think they are staring at a popcorn machine," says Rob Heidger, pro beach volleyball player. "Lots of players 'pop' up and down and the true hitter surprises them at the last second."

Things You'll Need

• Volleyball Boundary Sets
• Volleyball Net Systems
• Volleyballs

Instructions

1. Have the middle blocker or "quick hitter" move in for the set.

2. Fake set the quick hitter, who will jump and fake hit.

3. Confuse the blockers with multiple hitters and a good fake set.

4. Sneak the outside (real) hitter around and behind the quick hitter to hammer the set that is waiting for him.

Tips & Warnings

• "A cross play requires four to six players, so you'd most likely be doing this on an indoor court," says Heidger. "It just isn't something that works on the sand with a two-man team."

• The quick (first) hitter and setter must do realistic fakes for the surprise to work.

• Practice these plays often and coordinate the movements to avoid collisions.

• Heidger and his teammate, Kevin Wong, are the No. 1 ranked U.S. men's doubles team in beach volleyball. Keep tabs as they aim for their slot in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.