8 Volleyball Warm-Up Drills

 By Coach GActive Volleyball Community

 For Active.com
Shar e on F ace boo k
S har e on T wi t t er
Shar e on Pi nter est

These few main warm-up ideas can be used before a practice, match, or just for fun. They also can be added to
or taken away from as your coach sees fit.

They are listed in a suggested order, but again, they do not have to be done in this order:

Volleyball Warm-Up No.1: Ball Throw

A ball is needed for this drill. Find a partner and stand across the court from each other. Using your hitting arm
throw the ball back and forth to each to other warming up your hitting shoulder and arm. This only needs to be
done for a couple of minutes to loosen up the shoulder joint.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.2: Spike Drill

A ball is needed for this drill. Find a partner and stand across the court from each other. Throw the ball up into
the air and spike it down into the ground so that after once bounce it should reach your partner. Do this only as
long as it takes to warm-up your shoulder.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.3: Setting Drill

A ball is needed for this drill. Standing about ten feet apart set the ball back and forth. As your forearms loosen
up try and move the distance back so that you are setting from further away.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.4: Passing Drill

A ball is needed for this drill. Standing about ten feet apart start passing the ball back and forth, concentrating
on making good passes to your partner.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.5: Pepper

A ball is needed for this drill. Using a partner stand about ten feet apart from each other. T he partner starting
with the ball tosses it to his partner who passes the ball back to him. The partner then sets the ball back to the
other partner, who in turn spikes the ball back to the other partner.

After digging the ball back to the other partner the process is repeated continuously. The object of this warm-up
is to, under control, practice the three fundamental aspects of volleyball -passing, setting, and hitting. In
essence, the partners are playing a match back and forth.
 Volleyball Warm-Up No.6: Defense
This team drill requires at least ten balls and is a great way to warm -up the team's passing skills before a
match. The coach needs a bunch of balls at his side, a line of players opposite him, and one "setter" off to the
right side between the coach and players. The coach tosses the ball (he can spike or throw it hard too) at the
first player in line who passes it to the setter.

The player who passed the ball moves to setter with the person behind him taking his place and the setter
hands the ball to the coach. The balls at the coach's side are there to keep the drill flowing; he has a constant
supply of balls to keep the drill moving in case there is a bad pass that needs to be chased.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.7: Hitting

This warm-up requires a minimum of three balls and is great for hitting just before game or practice time. The
setter assumes his position of right front. There is a shagger on the opposite side of the court, a line of outside
hitters, a line of middle hitters, a line of right side hitters, and the coach standing to the right of the middle
hitters tossing a ball to the setter to set.

Once the coach tosses the ball to the setter, the setter sets it to the outside hitter to hit. The outside hitter then
takes the place of the shagger who has shagged the outside hitters ball and the shagger will take the outside
hitters place in any of the hitting lines.

The coach then tosses the ball to the setter who sets the middle hitter and the process is repeated to again. The
right side hitter receives the next set and the drill moves back to the outside hitting line. Players can fill in and
hit form any line they choose; however, it is more practical for the players to hit from the spot in which they
would normally hit form in a game.

Volleyball Warm-Up No.8: Serving

This drill requires an equal amount of players on either side of the net and a ball for each player. This is just a
quick serving warm-up. Players spread themselves out across the back line and serve the ball to the other side.
Both sides are serving at once so there are always balls coming over to grab and serve back.

There is the potential to be hit by a wild serve, but since the players are serving from outside of the court
anComLab2017d most balls should be landing in the court it is a relatively safe drill.
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endurance

THE BEST VOLLEYBALL

CONDITIONING DRILLS
July 8, 2016 101volleyballdrills.Com Comments 0 Comment

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These are the best drills to work on players physical fitness levels, not only
will these drills improve conditioning levels, but they also allow players to get a
lot of touches on the volleyball. Volleyball coaches must maximize their time
with their players and give them as many opportunities as possible to work on
their volleyball skills and technique. These volleyball conditioning drills will
increase touches on the volleyball and accelerate players development while
building the physical capabilities needed to compete on game day.

Against Yourself

This is a really fun volleyball drill that challenges players skills and
endurance. Begin with three players on one side of the court with the
opposite side of the court empty. The drill begins with one player passing the
ball to a teammate. After they pass the volleyball they run under the net to the
opposite side of the court.
Now two players are on one side of the court and the third is on the
opposite. The player receiving the first pass then passes the volleyball to the
third teammate. After they pass the ball they run under the net to the opposite
side of the court.

The third player that receives the second pass passes the volleyball over the
net to the player that started the drill. After they pass the ball over the net
they run to the opposite side of the court.
The process repeats itself on the opposite side of the net. A player will pass
the ball, then run to the opposite side of the court. Players should pass the
ball with plenty of height to allow themselves time to run under the net and set
up to receive the pass from the third player. The group of players will
continue passing and playing the ball over the net to themselves until the ball
hits the ground. Once the ball hits the ground a new group of three players
runs the drill. Challenge the groups of three to see how many times they can
play the ball over the net without the volleyball touching the ground.

Nine Person Pepper

Begin with six players on one side of the court and three on the opposite side
of the court. The drill is initiated by the coach playing a volleyball to the side
of the court with six players. The six players must build an attack and play the
ball over the net.
After the volleyball is played over the net, the front line runs under the net and
must build an attack with the three players that started the drill on the opposite
side of the net.

The players build an attack and play the ball under the net and the frontline
players again run under the net to the opposite side of the court.
Continue this process until the ball is dead. After the ball dies switch the
players so that every line has the opportunity to be the front line that is
running under the net. Switching allows all players in this volleyball
conditioning drill to work on their fitness and allows the other players time to
rest.

Block, Block, Recover

Begin by lining up players on one side of the net. This volleyball drill is
completed in pairs and each pair will jump to block twice then recover into a
defensive position. The drill is initiated by the coach, after a command is
given the players run to the middle of the net and jump to block a ball.
Ensure that the players are putting in maximum effort with their blocks, this is
what gives this drill the conditioning element. A certain height requirement
can be put in place to ensure players are jumping with maximum effort. For
example a player’s hand must be fully above the net. The height requirement
will depend on the athletic abilities of the players, but it should be set at a
reasonable height and i players do not meet the requirement they must repeat
their block. After the first block the players quickly proceed to the far side of
the net for their second block.
 Once the players land back on
their feet after the second block the coach plays a volleyball over the net that
the blockers must successfully return. Players must learn to reset into a
defensive position quickly after a successful block and work together to return
the volleyball. Players stay in the same pairs throughout the drill and score a
point for every ball they successfully return. Keep the pace up in this drill to
ensure there is a proper conditioning element. After the first pair of players
lands from their first block the pair of players behind them should make their
way onto the court and approach the net for their first block attempt.

Triple Hit

Hitters will attack three volleyballs, the first will be from a standing position
with no approach. The coach begins this volleyball drill by tossing a volleyball
to be hit.
After the volleyball is hit the player back pedals half way to the end line. The
coach then tosses the second volleyball for the hitter to attack. The hitter will
take their approach to the volleyball and hit it over the net.

After the second volleyball is hit the player back pedals to the end line. The
coach then tosses the third and final volleyball to be hit. The attacker again
makes their approach to the net, but from a farther distance and hits the ball
over the net.
After three hits the next player begins their repetition with a standing hit. To
keep the intensity up on this conditioning drill have plenty of volleyballs ready
and station one player on the opposite side of the court to collect the
volleyballs that are being hit. After a player hits three balls they become the
player who collects the next players attacks and the player who was collecting
the volleyballs moves to the back of the line.

Tag

This is a high intensity volleyball drill that will demand a lot of the
players. Players pair up and three pairs line up along the end line. Another
player is at the net as a target player. The coach begins the drill by playing a
volleyball over the net to a player who must reach the volleyball then pass it to
the target player. The coach should play the volleyball to a location on the
court that challenges the players to get there in time to pass it to the target
player. After the player passes the volleyball they must run back and tag their
partner and turn around for the next ball.
Immediately after the coach plays the first volleyball they play the next ball
into the next player and work their way through each player playing one ball
right after another. The quickness in which the coach plays the balls dictates
the intensity of this volleyball drill.

Pairs earn points for every ball they play into the target player that can be set
to attack. Run the volleyball drill for one to two minutes then have the
partners switch roles.
Fitness Triangle

During this volleyball drill players will get into groups of three and form a
triangle. The players will pass the ball around the triangle. Begin by having
one player pass the volleyball to their teammate.

After the ball has been passed the player who passed the ball will perform a
repetition of an exercise of the coach’s choosing. For example, the player
would pass the ball then do a push up. They must complete the repetition
before the ball makes its way back to them.
The process is repeated by the next player, they pass the ball to the next
player in the triangle and after the pass they perform a repetition of the
exercise.

The drill continues and each group is challenged to see how many times they
can complete a full rotation without the volleyball touching the ground. This
drill will work on conditioning, and allow players to get touches on the
volleyball. Other exercises that work week with this drill are:

 Burpee
 KneeTuck Jump
 Body weight squats
 Double Leg Butt Kick
 Feet Jack
 Football Up Down

Players should complete between one and three repetitions depending on the
exercise. Set the number of repetitions at a reasonable level to complete
before the ball makes its way back around, one burped is a good number for
that exercise, but three could be expected for the feet jack. Other exercises
can be used the key is to ensure that a repetition can be completed before the
ball makes its way back around the triangle.
Set and Run

Players will work at a fast pace and get a lot of repetitions in this volleyball
drill. Four players position themselves near the corners of the court, two of
them have a ball. A fifth player positions themselves in the middle. Begin by
having one of the players on the corners pass a volleyball into the fifth player
who then sets the volleyball to a player in the opposite corner. After the set
they run around a marker on the sideline and repeat the process with the
players on the opposite side of the court.

This volleyball drill can be

modified to have players set a volleyball across the court forcing them to back
set or this volleyball drill can be used as a passing drill. Each player runs
through the drill for about a minute and then the players rotate until all five
have had a chance to set the ball.

All of these drills will work players physically and help them build their physical
fitness. However, they do this while also allowing players the opportunity to
get touches on the volleyball. Conditioning is a crucial part of any practice
and it should be incorporated into drills that give players the opportunity to
work on other skills. Drills or exercises that have the sole purpose to work on
physical conditioning waste precious practice time and the benefits of these
drills can be incorporated into drills that also build skills, technique, and good
volleyball habits.

If a season is sixteen weeks long and there are two hour and a half practices
and one game a week that gives players about four to five hours a week to
play volleyball multiplied by sixteen weeks gives them between sixty four and
eighty hours of practice and game time. That is not much time to work with
players and aid in their development and growth. Practices should be
designed to allow players to touch the ball as many times as possible,
strategies for this can be found in the how to run an amazing volleyball
practice post.

This collection of volleyball drills have the dual benefit of improving players
abilities as well as improving their fitness levels. Ensure that players are
pushing themselves during these drills and are playing at a pace that is
challenging, but not frantic. Allow players the proper amount of recovery time
between their repetitions, most of these drills have rest built into them, when
other players are completing their repetitions the ones waiting for their turn
should be actively resting. While all of these drills have a conditioning
element, proper form and technique should not be compromised, coaches
should develop those good volleyball habits early and often. Lots of time and
lots of feedback are required to build those habits to the point where they
become second nature. The focus should be proper intensity levels, proper
form and technique, and continuous feedback, if all of these elements are
present these drills will help build skills and fitness.

Resistance training
Volleyball Conditioning
Myosource Kinetic Bands are a great strength and conditioning tool that helps volleyball
players enhance their training and maximize valuable practice time. The Kinetic Bands
provide resistance and are worn just above the knees during volleyball conditioning
drills and skills training; allowing a player to move freely in all directions so they can
improve flexibility and increase muscular strength and endurance at the same time they
work to develop their volleyball skills. Another benefit of adding resistance to your
volleyball conditioning is the great cardiovascular workout it provides. Increasing
cardiovascular endurance will help keep a player from becoming winded so they’ll have
the stamina to finish a game at a high performance level.
Volleyball Conditioning Drills
The conditioning drills in this video are just a few of many that volleyball players can
perform to develop lower body strength while building the endurance needed to
compete throughout the entire match. Follow this video and perform each drill 3-4 times
resisted (with and 2-3 times un-resisted. The drills below should all be performed in a
forward and backward motion. Moving backward challenges the athlete to stay focused
and improve concentration while activating often neglected muscle groups and requiring
the athlete to work in a multidirectional manor.

Spiderman Crawl
This drill works the entire body. As the Kinetic Bands aid to fire the muscles in the lower
body, the arms, shoulders and back will be challenged simultaneously in the upper
body. To perform this exercise, begin by assuming a push up position. Focus on even
weight distribution throughout the entire body, keeping your back as flat as possible by
engaging the core muscles. Continue focusing on weight distribution as the foot comes
forward, extending the foot as far forward as possible escalating the strength and
flexibility in the hip flexors.

Cross Over Push Ups

Ideal for building strength in the upper body, including shoulders, back, arms, and core
while the Kinetic Bands are activating the Glutes and Hips. The leg cross over and
lateral movement creates an additional dimension of strength by challenging the
volleyball player to develop the aptitude necessary in order to hold their body weight off
the ground throughout the entire exercise. The athlete will also generate supplemental
balance and body control.

Duck Walk
Stay low and "in the resistance" during this exercise to fire the quads, glutes and hips.
As you move forward, sit back in the glutes for the best results.

Side Lunge
Helps strengthen and stretch the hip flexors. Stay low and extend the foot attached to
leg in the lunge position to the point where you feel the resistance. Focus on furthering
the extension to work towards greater flexibility and range of motion.

Skater Drills
Ignites the fast twitch muscle fibers to drive explosive power and evolve volleyball
player’s equilibrium for enhanced body control. The key to a successful Skater Drill is to
explode with the outside foot, land on the opposite foot, stop to maintain balance and
explode again off the landed foot. The first segment should be to explode and land
working on strength and balance. The second segment should be all about exploding at
maximum speed with as little down time as possible.

Knee Drives
A smooth and rapid plyometric exercise geared to increase leg strength and build cardio
endurance. Perform the knee drive by stepping up on a bench or platform driving the
knee as high as possible, stepping back down and alternating legs.

Bench Jump and Toe Taps

An additional plyometric jump exercise for leg strength, balance and stamina. This
exercise should also be performed at maximum speed to maintain safety by focusing on
balance. The first segment should jump up on to the bench with both feet together,
tapping the bench and back down repeating as fast as possible. The toe tap is
alternating feet; tapping quickly, back down and right back up with the opposite foot.

Effective volleyball training should include time for developing volleyball skills with an
emphasis on an excellent combination of strength, pliability, and elasticity. Conditioning
and strength building promote prowess and enhanced performance, which are
paramount for a volleyball player to reach their full potential on the court.

Volleyball Upper Body Strength

Volleyball players need powerful arms when spiking the ball. The stronger a player’s
upper body is, the more able they are to hit the volleyball rapidly and firmly. In addition,
to prepare for the shock that occurs at the shoulder joints throughout the season, it is
crucial to incorporate exercises that provide the player with the strength they need for
multi-directional stability of the shoulders. For instance, each time a volleyball player
swings and contacts the volleyball, that's one more repetition that needs to be balanced
with good shoulder stability. Therefore, volleyball players with strong shoulders will be
more resilient to injuries and better equipped for superior performance on the court.

Strength Training Exercises With Suspension Straps

This video is a demonstration of our upper body strength training exercises for
volleyball players, which are geared to target and strengthen the back, shoulders, and
arms. The solidifying drills in this video are performed with our suspension trainer (a.k.a.
KineticRTSuspension Straps) which allows volleyball players to strengthen targeted
areas using their own body weight. Performing bodyweight exercises with suspension
straps provides volleyball players with an amplified strengthening workout for their
upper body.
KineticRT Suspension Straps can be used at home or in the gym, which is an added
benefit for those dedicated athletes seeking additional strength building outside of
practice. In addition, volleyball coaches often use them as a training station during
group practices.
We recommend performing 2-4 sets of each of the following exercises, with 8-12 reps
per set, depending on the volleyball player’s level of training. Rest 15-30 seconds
between sets. An alternative method for advanced strength training is to perform each
INVERTERset until failure, meaning the player will perform as many reps as possible
until they no longer have the strength to do any more.

Inverted Row
Develops strength in back, shoulders, and bi-ceps. Keep the body in a nice straight line
as you pull your body up through the handles.

Reverse Fly
Improves posture by strengthening the upper back and shoulders. Again, keep the body
nice and straight. Tighten the midsection and push chest out while attempting to
squeeze the shoulder blades together. Keep arms bent at 90-degree angle, bringing
them parallel with the body and then back together.

Suspended Chest Press

An inclined push up to strengthen the chest muscles, shoulders, triceps and abs. Keep
the body straight and abs tight as you lower your chest toward, but not beyond, your
hands and then back to starting position. Repeat as many times as possible.

Suspended Chest Fly (Pec Fly)

Also aimed towards strengthening the chest muscles, biceps, shoulders and abs. Much
like the suspended chest press, begin with the elbows slightly below shoulder height,
but with the hands extended past the elbows. The targeted muscle groups will be
challenged as you attempt to bring your together and back out again, in a simulated
flying motion. Tricep Extension Fortifies the triceps (back of your arms). Keep body
inclined and straight with the arms extended and the straps ov

Basic Volleyball Exercises

Core Strength and Power
When selecting basic volleyball exercises for core training, it’ s important to
understand the various types of resistance training exercises.

When discussing core training, it may be easiest to group resistance training into 3
categories….

1. Mult-joint exercises (squat, deadlift, push up)

2. Single joint exercises (ab curl up, back extension)

3. Core Stabilization exercises (lying hip extension, plank)

Multi-joint exercises Multi-joint exercises recruit large muscle groups and involve
using two or more primary joints. Multi-joint exercises are the most important of the
basic volleyball exercises.

Multi-joint exercises such as back squats and deadlifts take a great deal of core
strength to perform correctly. Without adequate core strength, you may be risking
injury.
 51Save

Front Squat

Single joint exercises Single joint exercises are performed using 1 primary joint.
They are also referred to as assistance exercises because they are smaller muscles
that assist the larger muscle actions. Assistance exercises help you get better at
performing multi-joint exercises and are less important.

Core stabilization exercises The many small muscles that are attached to your lower
back, abdominals, hips, pelvis, ribs, and shoulder blades are the keys to all athletic
movements. These muscles act to stabilize the body and should be trained in many of
your volleyball exercises. Not only are these core stabilizer muscles important for
improved sports performance, but they also improve your body’ s resistance to injury.

Medicine Ball Twists

Basic Volleyball Exercises for Core Stability

Developing core stability should be the focus of your training because stability is the
main function of your core. Basic volleyball exercises should involve training
for stability around the shoulders, hips, and trunk.
Lying Hip Extension (Glute Bridge)

Training the glutes, hamstrings, and spinal erectors with hip extension is often
neglected from volleyball training. Hip extension is an important movement in sports
and should be included in volleyball exercises.

 Purpose:
To activate and strengthen the glutes and muscles of your lower back.
 Starting Position:
Lie on the ground face up. Place your feet flat on the ground. Pull your
shoulder blades back and down. Brace your core and fire (contract) your glutes.
 Action:
Raise your hips and flex your knees so that only your feet, head, shoulders, and
arms are touching the floor. Your body should be in a straight line from knees
to shoulders.
 Coaching cues:
To help activate your glutes, you can lift your toes up off the ground and press
down through your heels.

This will also prevent you from using your quadriceps. You can hold the position
for a designated time or perform repetitions.

Simulation drill

Volleyball Practice Drills Game Day Tips Praise kids during the warm-up: During your team’s warm-up
giving the kids a quick word of praise will help build their confidence and help them focus on performing
well in the game. For example, saying “That’s the way to bend your knees on those low shots, great job”
will stick in the player’s mind. Plus, hearing words of encouragement is helpful in settling some of those
pre-game nerves all kids experience. Cover all the areas: Make sure each youngster gets warmed up in
all areas of the game during the pre-game warm-up. You don’t want kids stepping on the court to play
the game without having received a serve, for example, because they’ll be less likely to perform that skill
as well. Mix up your hits: During the team’s pre-game warm-up make sure your players are hitting the
ball to all areas of the court when they’re practicing their serves or spikes. Even if they’re not
comfortable hitting to a specific area, the pre-game warm-up is good practice for learning how to
execute these types of shots. Plus, if the opposing team is watching your warm-up your players won’t
reveal any tendencies that the opponent can pick up on to help them defend where the ball is going
during the game. Adjust your strategy as the game unfolds: Some days your team may simply be far
superior than the opposition, so be prepared to make some adjustments to account for the difference in
skill level. Don’t use this as an opportunity to pile on and embarrass the opponent, because that’s not
good sportsmanship. Plus, when the situation is reversed you don’t want a team treating you that way
either. Instead, use the opportunity to work on areas of the game that the team has struggled in, or shift
kids around to different positions to give others the chance at setting or spiking.
http://volleyball.lifetips.com (great source!!!) Practice Tips Change warm-up leaders: At each of your
practices rotate who leads the warm-ups. This is a great way to give every child a leadership position
throughout the season. If you go this route just be sure that everyone gets the chance to be the warm-
up leader. Make it a game: Players have more fun with drills, and are likely to concentrate better, when
there is some sort of game aspect to it. This is especially true when coaching older players, who often
enjoy a competitive element that helps bring out the best in them. Avoid routine: Don’t get into a
routine with your practices. Switch up your drills and activities to help keep the kids on their toes and
the excitement levels high. When players know what to expect, they’re more likely to get bored and
have their attention wander. Continually changing things up can keep players focused on the task at
hand. Making a good introduction: Introducing new skills can be challenging at times, but that’s all a
part of coaching. Keep in mind that your players’ ability to perform new skills will be dependant on your
ability to present them. First, perform the skill for the rest of the group. Then break up the skill into key
components so that the players have specific points to remember. While emphasizing the key points
have the team emulate you modeling the skill. While the team is doing this try to evaluate each player
individually by giving them personal instruction. Setting Drills Set and Sprint In this drill, setters start on
the endline. Several volunteers should be in front of the endline in a horizontal line, spaced evenly. The
first volunteer will throw the ball up and the setter must run to it, setting it for a direction determined
by the coach. The setter must then run to the next volunteer, who has already thrown the ball up. After
setting this ball, the setter continues down the line. Coaches can determine the length of this drill in
several ways. The athletes can either finish a pre-determined number of sets or complete the drill based
on time. If the coach is keeping time, the athlete should have 60 seconds to complete as many sets as
possible, meaning that when they finish going down the line they will have to sprint to the beginning
and start over. This drill is meant to improve accuracy in setting as well as push the athlete to set
properly even with little time. It also works on the cardiovascular health of the athlete by forcing them
to keep their heart rate accelerated during the drill. Overhead Set This is a simple, single-player drill that
athletes can do anywhere, anytime. The setter simply throws the ball up and begins setting it, working
on setting directly over their head. As the ball comes back down, the setter sets it again. This drill,
though very simple, should be done regularly, with athletes understanding the importance of good
technique and consistency. This drill practices several things: vertical setting, proper setting technique,
and consistency. Coaches should inform athletes of the objectives of this drill and encourage them to
complete it as often as possible. Passing Drills Players need to be able to pass the ball accurately in order
to execute plays with one another. These drills will help players learn to work as a team while passing.
Set up a 2- on-6 scrimmage. Although this may seem like an unfair game, it’s an extremely efficient way
of teaching accurate passing skills. Players will be forced to anticipate the movement of the ball and
read each others’ nonverbal cues very quickly during this drill. Instruct players to form 2 lines facing one
another. Space the lines about 10 feet apart and then have players bump the ball back and forth to each
other. After a player hits the ball, she should then move to the end of the line, so that the lines are
moving constantly throughout the drill. Tip Top Passing This passing drill teaches athletes to pass from
their fingertips, avoiding the tendency to “palm” the ball. Athletes should work with a partner, passing
back and forth in a controlled manner. Athletes should focus on receiving and returning the ball entirely
with the fingertips, not allowing their palms to make contact with the ball. If an athlete does “palm” the
ball, they must complete another activity, such as 20 sit-ups. Bump in Place This bumping drill teaches
athletes where to place the ball on their forearms. This is a single person drill but can be turned into a
competition if the coach wants to see who can bump the longest. Athletes should work on always hitting
the ball with the same place on their forearms; this will keep the ball from flying in one direction or
another. The ball should be bumped as many times as possible without letting it fall (be sure to check
out our other volleyball setting drills). The person who keeps it in the air the longest wins! General Drills
Best Beginner Volleyball Drills The best beginner volleyball drills are usually quite simple and short.
These drills pull out one major feature of a skill at a time and work it until an athlete is entirely
comfortable before moving on. For example, a hitting drill will work on either speed or accuracy but not
both until the athlete is more advanced. Bleacher Jump This vertical jumping drill lets athletes build
muscle as well as discipline. Athletes stand on the floor at the edge of the bleacher stairs. They jump
from the floor to the first step on the bleachers, staying there for as little time as possible. Athletes then
jump back to the floor and repeat, focusing on clean, controlled jumps and overall height. Name It, Get
It In this drill, the focus is communication. Athletes should be scattered on one side of the court in a
random pattern. The coach should start in the middle and throw the volleyball up, aiming it at no one.
The person the ball comes to must yell “Mine!” and pass it to another player, saying their name while
aiming the ball. The person to whom the ball is going must yell “Mine!” and then set it to another
player, saying their name as they aim it. Athletes must switch between setting and passing and must
always say the name of the player to whom they are sending the ball. This drill continues as long as the
ball is in the air. If an athlete aims the ball wrong or the designated player is unable to reach it, they
must yell “Not mine!” and another, closer player, must claim the ball. This way, the ball does not drop
and athletes get practice adjusting their plans, as happens frequently in competition. Pepper What you
need: Players split into pairs. How it works: Pair up players and have them volley the ball back and forth
to each other, making sure the ball does not touch the ground. As the players get more successful with
this have them move further away from each other to increase the difficulty level. Coaching pointers:
While this exercise may seem fairly basic, it’s also extremely useful because it focuses on the
fundamentals of the game. This is a great way to introduce basic skills to first-time players, and even
experienced players benefit by being able to further hone their skills. For more advanced level players
turn this drill into a fun competition by seeing which pair can keep the ball going the longest amount of
time. Serve It Up What you need: A ball and seven players. How it works: Position six players on one side
of the net as the returning team and have the remaining player handle the role of server on the
opposite side of the net. Have the server deliver serves to the group on the other side, which must play
the ball as if it’s a game situation. Have the individual player deliver five serves and then rotate to the
other side. Coaching pointers: The point here is to have each player practice their serve, while also
having your team practice returning serves. To increase the competitiveness of the drill, see which
server can win the most points by either serving an ace or a ball that the group is unable to return. You
can also take away points for serves that are hit long, wide or into the net. Two on Two What you need:
One ball for every two players. How it works: Have the players pair up, with one team on each side of
the net. Have one team serve to the other and begin a simulated game. As soon as a team wins the
point, or a side out if they happened to be receiving serve, the other pair leaves the court and is
replaced by a different two-player team. A team stays on as long as they keep winning. Coaching
pointers: This drill is meant to practice basic in-game returns and hits, and also challenges kids to cover a
lot of the court. This is a fun way to wrap up a practice to see which pair wins the mini tournament and
has bragging rights until the next practice. Set up an area for those not in the game to work on their
serves and service return so that there isn’t any standing around time. Net Save What you need: Two
balls. Four players. Two coaches. How it works: This drill works best with two coaches. Position two
players in front of the net with 10 feet between them, and position a player about 10 feet behind each
of them. Coaches with balls stand off to the side of the two players nearest the net. One coach tosses
the ball against the net and the player reacts to the ball and tries to save it by keeping it in the air so one
of the other players behind her can make a play on the ball and knock it over the net. As soon as the
point concludes the players return to their positions and the other coach or helper tosses that ball into
the net for the other player to attempt to save. Coaching pointers: Because balls often get hit into the
net during games, it is important to practice saves since teams can salvage valuable points based on
their ability to react to these balls. Target Practice What you need: Five cones. Balls. Any number of
players. How it works: Randomly place cones throughout the court on one side of the net. Have the
team take turns serving to that side attempting to knock down the cones. Players have to call out which
cone they are aiming for before they toss the ball. If they knock down the correct cone they receive a
point, and if they knock down an incorrect cone they lose a point. After everyone has gone several
times, the person with the most points wins. Coaching pointers: This drill will help with players’ serving
accuracy. Keep a close eye on the kids’ technique to make sure that they are making contact with the
ball along the heel of their hand as opposed to slapping it with their palm.

DRILLS

These fun volleyball drills will keep players coming back for more all while working on skills in
a fun way. As mentioned in the how to run an amazing volleyball practice post a great way to
end practice is with a fun volleyball drill. Ending practice with a fun drill will motivate players
during practice and end on a high note that will increase excitement for the next practice or
training session. Usually fun drills involve competition and teamwork, these are also important
elements to incorporate into a practice to prepare players and teams for competitive
situations. Here are the top seven fun volleyball drills that players will enjoy!

Popcorn

This fun volleyball drill will work on players setting ability as well as communication and court
awareness. Split players up into two teams with all players on one side of the court. One team
begins by setting the ball in the air, the opposite team must be the next one to set the ball. If they
do not and the ball touches the ground the team that last set the ball earns a point.
The teams will continue to set the ball after the opposing team until an illegal set occurs or the
ball touches the ground. Players are only allowed to set the ball. Each set must be above the
height of the net and a legal set to count. The first team to twelve points wins.

A fun variation of this drill is to remove a player from the team that was unable to successfully
return a set. A team wins the game if they have all of their players left on the court. For
example if two teams of four are competing and the blue team as demonstrated in the diagram
fails to return a set from the black team they would lose a player. Play would resume four versus
three and continue until one team loses all of its players.

Gym Ball

This is a fun volleyball drill that will improve passing and communication. Divide players into
two teams, it is fine if the numbers are greater than six vs. six. A team scores a point every time
the volleyball touches or bounces on the ground, the difference between this drill and a regular
game of volleyball is that the ball is not dead after it touches the ground. The ball is dead if it is
rolling on the ground. A team may win one of two ways, if the volleyball is rolling on the
ground the team who last successfully hit the ball over the net automatically wins or if the team
is the first to reach twenty five points (meaning the volleyball bounced twenty five times). The
reason this drill is called “Gym Ball” is because there are no boundaries, the volleyball is always
in play and teams have an unlimited number of touches to play the volleyball over the net. When
they play the volleyball over the net it must be within the normal boundaries of the court. If the
volleyball is played outside the normal boundaries of the court the team that hit the volleyball out
of bounds must retrieve the volleyball before it begins to roll and bring back to their side of the
net and hit it over legally. Any bounces that occur are points for the other team (a note if the ball
bounces three times before a player is able to make contact that is three points for the other
team.) Players may position themselves anywhere in the gym. This volleyball drill seems like
chaos but by having the volleyball always live, having unlimited number of touches, and players
able to position themselves anywhere lots of passes and touches occur. Players can use form not
usually allowed in a game to get a volleyball off the ground, for example they can scoop or kick
the ball into the air. Ensure that touches after the ball is lifted from its bounce are quality passes.

Volley-Golf

During this drill players will pair up and attempt to pass a volleyball into a designated target
zone aka the hole. In order to move closer to the hole players must pass the volleyball back and
forth. The ball may not touch the ground anywhere outside of the hole, if it does the players
must go back to the start and try again. The goal is to pass the volleyball into the hole with the
least number of passes. If a player passes the ball directly into the hole it is a hole in one. Get
creative and have players begin from different locations on the court and pass a volleyball back
and forth while they move towards the hole, shown as the orange cones.
Placing the hole on the opposite side of the net from the starting position offers a unique
challenge to either hit the ball over the net into the hole, or players can elect to pass the ball over
the net and continue to pass back and forth until they are very close to the hole. This fun
volleyball drill can be modified to only allow players to set the ball back and forth. Hole
locations and starting locations can be changed allowing this drill to remain engaging and fun for
players after many repetitions.

Horse

This volleyball drill is a modified version of the basketball competition where players try to
match each other’s shot. One player begins by calling out which zone they are aiming for, if
they successfully land their serve in that zone the other player must repeat the shot. If they do
not land it in the stated zone the other player is allowed to choose which zone they will
target. For every shot that a player is unable to replicate they receive a letter, for example if a
player calls out zone 1 and they hit zone one and the other player fails to serve into zone one they
receive and “H”. The first player to spell horse loses.

This fun volleyball drill can be a one on one competition or a team competition where players
rotate taking turns to match the shot of the other team. Teams should not be too large to avoid
players remaining idle for long periods of time, teams of three or four should be the maximum
size.

3 v. 3

Divide the players into teams of three and have two teams play each other at a time with the
other teams waiting behind the court. The coach begins the drill by playing a volleyball in hard
with pace forcing the player to dig the ball to a setter. After the successful dig the play begins
similar to a regular match and the setter will play a volleyball to be hit by one of their other
teammates. The other team must then dig (no blocking in this volleyball drill) and return the
volleyball. If a team allows the volleyball to go dead they must leave the court and another team
takes their place. The new team is the first to receive a volleyball from the coach and dig to
attack.

Every time a team remains on the court they score a point, play the game for a pre-determined
amount of time and the team with the most points at the end wins. Another scoring variation for
this fun volleyball drill is to declare the winning team as the team who was able to stay on the
court the longest. If a team scores seven straight points and every other team only scored three
consecutive the team with seven in a row wins regardless of the overall score.
Chaos

This fun volleyball drill is every man or woman for themselves and will focus on attacking and

digging. Place four players on one side of

the court, this will be the digging side, all other players will line up on the opposite side of the
court. The drill begins with the coach tossing or setting a ball (whichever is more consistently
accurate) in the air to be attacked. If the player hitting the ball successfully kills the ball they
move to the side and advance to the next round. If the attack does not result in a kill and the
players on the opposite side of the net successfully dig the ball the player returns to the back of
the line. Continue to toss balls to both sides of the net at a fast pace, alternating sides and keep
players moving to attack the ball. Run the drill until every player except one has had a
successful kill. The last player remaining will sit the next round out and the remaining players
will repeat the drill until only one player has not had a successful kill. Continue the drill until
only two players remain for the championship round where they must match each other shot for
shot. If both players do not record a successful kill or if both players do record a successful kill
the championship round continues, once one player records a kill and the other does not the drill
is over. The player that was able to record the last kill wins. After a champion is determined
rotate players so that the players on the opposite side of the net digging have an opportunity to
attack.
Elimination

Begin by grouping players into groups of five. Players will form a circle and pass the ball in a
star pattern, after every pass they must complete an action. For example, they must do one push-
up or spin around three times, the coach chooses what the action is, get creative, but do not select
an action that takes lots of time to complete.

If a player is unable to complete the action before the volleyball makes its way back around to
them they are eliminated. Players are also eliminated for an inaccurate pass. When four players
remain pass the ball in a figure eight pattern and when three players remain pass the ball around
the triangle. After the third player is eliminated the remaining two players are declared the
winners.
These fun volleyball drills are a great way to end practice or inject some energy into a practice
session. The drills on this list work on a variety of skills and give coaches enough options to
keep practices fresh and players excited to play. Use drills from this list that compliment the
overall purpose of the practice and build upon the skills worked on earlier in the
session. Keeping the tempo up and making each drill a competition will add another level of
intensity to preparing players for competition and teaching them how to handle the pressures of
game situations. Enjoy these drills and have fun!

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One thought on “Fun Volleyball Drills – The

Top 7”

1. rajab wekesa says:

April 5, 2017 at 7:59 pm

those are good drills

Reply