Free Over the Net by Jake Maddox Page B

explained Nikki. “You know, for summer league sign-ups and stuff.”
    â€œOh, yeah,” said Allie. She smiled and tried to stop feeling embarrassed.
    â€œTo answer your question, Allie, I would be more than happy to help you with your hitting,” said Coach Anderson. “I am very proud of you for asking for help. And I’m very happy that you want to keep playing next year.” She paused and looked at Allie.

    Allie felt relieved, but she still felt nervous. “I love volleyball,” she said quietly.
    â€œI know you do,” Coach Anderson said. She went on, “Like I was saying, I’d be happy to help you with hitting. But I think I know someone else who is much more qualified to give you the help you want.”
    Coach Anderson looked at Nikki and raised her eyebrows. “How about it, Nikki?” the coach asked. “I’ve always been a setter. What Allie really needs is another hitter to help her. Do you want to be her coach?”
    Nikki smiled at Allie. “I would love to!” she said brightly.
    â€œGreat!” said Coach. “Well, maybe we can get started this weekend. Can you both be here tomorrow morning at 10?”
    â€œYeah, I can,” Nikki said.
    Allie nodded. “Me too,” she said.
    Coach Anderson smiled. “Then it’s settled,” she said. “I’ll see you both here tomorrow morning at 10.”

Chapter 4
COACH NIKKI
    Allie usually slept in on Saturdays. This Saturday was different.
    Allie woke up a lot earlier than she normally would have. She was nervous, but she was surprised to realize that she was really looking forward to practicing with Nikki.
    Nikki and Coach were already in the gym when Allie’s mom dropped her off.
    â€œGood morning, Allie!” said Nikki when Allie walked in. “Are you ready to get to work?”
    â€œYeah,” said Allie. “Teach me everything you know.”
    Nikki laughed. “Whoa,” she said. “Let’s just start with spiking, okay?”
    â€œSounds great,” Allie said. She already felt more relaxed.
    â€œWhy don’t we run a few laps to get warmed up?” Nikki suggested. “Then we’ll start working on hitting.”
    Coach Anderson smiled. “I think you’re in good hands, Allie,” she said. “If you guys need me, I’ll be in my office.”
    â€œOkay!” Allie said. Coach Anderson walked across the gym to her office. Allie turned to Nikki.
    â€œLet’s get started,” Nikki said.
    First, Allie and Nikki ran three laps around the gym. Then they stretched out their arms and shoulders.
    â€œOkay,” Nikki said when they were warmed up. “Why don’t you show me how you normally start out when you’re hitting?”
    â€œWhy?” Allie asked. “I’m pretty sure I’m not doing it right.”
    â€œWell, let’s see,” Nikki said.
    Allie showed Nikki how she did her approach when she was hitting. She started behind the ten-foot line, stepped forward with her left foot, took another step with her right foot, and jumped forward a little toward the net. Her right arm was bent at the elbow.

    After Nikki watched Allie, she said, “Well, I can see a few places where you can improve your approach.”
    â€œLike what?” Allie asked.
    â€œWell, you’re right-handed, right?” Nikki began.
    Allie nodded. Nikki went on, “That means you should start with your right foot. First, take two really hard, fast steps. Your third step, with your right foot, should be in the air, kind of like a lay-up in basketball. Does that make sense?”
    Allie followed Nikki’s direction. It did make sense. In fact, Allie had never heard the approach explained that way before. She was learning already!
    â€œYou’re a really good blocker, right?” Nikki asked.
    Allie smiled. “Yeah,” she said. “I really like to block. It’s