Scan & Call Receiving

Build the scanning habit — gathering information before the ball arrives and using it on the first touch.

Worker in the middle between a server (facing) and a signaller (behind). Server has the ball; signaller holds up numbers or colours.

1. As the server passes, the signaller raises fingers or a colour behind the worker.
2. The worker scans over the shoulder during the ball's travel and calls the signal before touching the ball.
3. First touch opens toward the side the signaller points; pass back, repeat.
4. Rotate roles every 10 reps.

• Scan as the ball travels — that's the window professionals use.
• A quick glance, not a long stare — snapshot, then eyes back on the ball.
• Let the information change the touch: open out if free, return safe-side if 'pressed'.
• Two scans beat one: before the pass and during it.

• Players scan but don't change anything — the touch must answer the information.
• The 'scan' is a panicked half-turn that loses the ball's flight — short, sharp glance.
• Servers wait for the worker to be ready — serve into the scanning rhythm to force the habit.

• Signaller becomes a live defender who presses or holds.
• Add a second signal mid-travel — forces a second scan.
• Receive aerial serves with the same rules.

• Slow underarm serves.
• Signal earlier and hold it longer.
• Call the signal after the touch instead of before.

• Call before the first touch or the rep doesn't count.