Floater A float serve or a floater is a serve that does not spin.

It is called a floater because it moves in unpredictable ways making it difficult to pass. A float serve catches the air and can move unexpectedly to the right or the left or it can drop suddenly. Topspin A topspin serve does exactly that spins rapidly forward from the top. The server tosses the ball a little higher, strikes the ball towards the top of the back in a down and outward motion and follows through with his or her swing. This serve has a much more predictable movement, but can be difficult to handle because of its quick speed. Jump Serve A jump serve utilizes an even higher toss that should be several feet in front of the server. The server uses more of an attack approach, jumps and strikes the ball in the air. The extra motion allows the server to put even more power on the ball and this can make for a very difficult serve to handle. The drawback is that all that extra motion can lead to a higher incidence of serving errors. Most jump serves have topspin on them, but it is possible to jump serve a floater.

The Fundamental Skills Used in Playing Volleyball

Serving
A properly executed serve provides the serving team with a significant advantage over the receiving team. A serve that is properly placed can cause players on the receiving team to get out of position or attempt awkward returns. The server must stand behind the service line at the end of the court. There are three serving styles in volleyball. The underhand serve, the overhand serve and the jump serve. The underhand serve generally is a relatively slow serve that travels high in the air toward the rear of the court. Both the overhand serve and the jump serve are fast serves frequently struck with top spin.

Passing
Passing also is known as "bumping" in an offensive sequence and "digging" when used to defend an offensive shot. Passing is executed by interlocking your fingers, holding your arms straight and away from your body. Make contact with the ball on your forearms and follow through to your target. The only allowable service return is a pass, so it is frequently the first shot in a three-shot sequence.

Setting
Setting, or overhead passing, typically is the second shot in a three-shot sequence. A properly executed set is placed close and above the net. You want to place the ball about four feet from the net so on the third shot, typically a spike, your teammate won't hit the net on her follow through.

Hitting
Generally, you want to hit the ball with the greatest force possible on the third shot of a sequence. When the ball is struck forcefully downward, above the height of the net, it is referred to as a "spike" or "kill" shot. To execute a kill shot, a player may use either a two- or three-step approach. Strike the ball at the top of your vertical leap, using the heel of your palm, followed by wrapping your hand on the ball with your fingers and snapping your wrist.

Blocking
Blocking is a defensive play made close to the net. The object of a block is to deflect an offensive shot directly back toward your opponent. Block attempts can be made by individual players or pairs of players. Blocking is not allowed on serves. Blocks often are utilized as a defense against "kill" shots.

Volleyball Hitting Drills

Hitting drills to teach hitting technique, footwork, arm swing and shot selection.

Hitting Drill: Turn-Go-Hit hitting, blocking, defense, warm up - This volleyball drill will practice defensive movements and transition into hitting from defensive movements. Description This volleyball drill will practice defensive movements and transition into hitting from defensive movements. Setup 1. One player on right sideline ( will pass and then hit) 2. One tosser 3. One blocker on opposite side of net 4. Line waiting to enter on sideline Instructions 1. Player starts on right sideline and shuffles twice toward the center of the court. 2. Player turns and sprints toward opposite sideline (left sideline). 3. Player dives and touches ball. 4. Player gets up and gets into hitting position. 5. Tosser tosses ball. 6. Player approaches and attacks. 7. Blocker attempts to block. 8. Blocker shags ball and goes to end of line.

9. Player replaces blocker. 10. Coach replaces ball. Variations

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Go in the opposite direction to work both sides (from left sideline to right) Coaching Points

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Encourage players to roll after dive if able to Check for players to turn shoulders to passing target

Defense: Touch Ten! defense, hitting, setting, passing - This drill will teach aggressiveness while playing a defensive position.

Description This drill will teach aggressiveness while playing a defensive position. Setup 1. Three hitting lines and a setter on one side 2. Defender on opposite side, may start where ever they choose 3. Coach tossing balls to setter Instructions 1. Run hitting lines with all three hitters. 2. Coach tosses balls to the setter. 3. Set can set any hitter, any set. 4. Hitter tries to keep the ball away from the defender. 5. The defender must touch ten balls before rotating out. 6. Defense can start anywhere they want Variations 1. Add defenders 2. Have two hitters and allow the setter to dump. 3. Beginners can have less then ten to touch, for example...3 if they are just learning Coaching Points

Encouraging passer to "Read the hitter."

Run the Middle! middle hitter, passing, hitting, serving, setting - This drill focuses on hitting middle out of serve receive.

Description This drill focuses on hitting middle out of serve receive. Setup 1. A server on one side of the net with one middle blocker 2. Three passers on the opposite side with a setter and a middle hitter Instructions 1. Server serves the ball over the net and in. 2. Middle hitter transitions into position to hit. 3. Serve receive passers pass ball to setter. 4. Middle Hitter calls for set and approaches. 5. Setter sets the Middle Hitter. 6. Middle Hitter attacks. 7. Blocker attempts to block. 8. Repeat until Middle Hitter gets a preset number of good hits, over the net, hard and in. 9. Middle hitter and middle blocker switch. Variations
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Alternate middles with each swing (for teams with more than 2 middles). Middles Hitters will hit, then block, then wait, then repeat Coaching Points

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Making sure that middle hitters are calling the set they want in plenty of time for the setter to react Encouraging passers to focus on a perfect pass to the setter

No Easy Points! Serve Receive volleyball serve receive, serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking, defense - This drill is to practice serve receive, and understand the importance of a good pass!

Description This drill is to practice serve receive, and understand the importance of a good pass! Setup 1. One server 2. A team of 6 on the receiving side opposite the server 3. Three blockers on the same side as the server Instructions 1. Players on receiving side set up in serve receive for their first rotation. 2. Server serves to serve receive team. 3. Players pass set and hit. 4. Blockers attempt to block. 5. Receiving side must get three hard swings in a row in order to rotate. 6. Change server when receiving team rotates. 7. Repeat until receiving side rotates all the way around. Variations 1. Change the goal to suit the team, either increase or decrease the number of swings necessary to rotate. 2. Instead of hard swings the goal could be the setter must be able to run the middle or right side attacker three times in a row. Coaching Points 1. Making sure that players are concentrating on a good pass before worrying about anything else. A good pass will equal a good play. Sideout or Lose offense, defense, serving, passing, setting, hitting - This volleyball drill will emphasize the importance of first swing sideouts.

Description This volleyball drill will emphasize the importance of first swing sideouts. Setup 1. Two teams on the court Instructions 1. First team serves 2. Play out serve as if playing a real game 3. Score using the point system below 4. Continue playing for a set amount of time or until one team reaches a pre-determined number of points Variations 1. Change the scoring system to make it easier or more difficult depending on skill level Coaching Points 1. Watching for teamwork and encouraging hard first swings Ball Control: 25 Contact Drill Passing, setting, hitting, ball control - This drill is to practice ball control, communication, teamwork, and warm up for hitting.

Description This drill is to practice ball control, communication, teamwork, and warm up for hitting. Setup 1. 3 players on each side of the net: Middle back, setter, outside hitter 2. Players rotate in from middle back where the line is Instructions 1. Coach enters free ball to player at middle back position

2. Middle back passes to setter 3. Setter sets to outside hitter 4. Outside hitter hits a controlled hit to middle back on opposite side of the net; approach and swing or down ball 5. Players follow their ball: Passer goes to setter, setter to hitter, hitter to end of line at middle back 6. Count contacts out loud with the goal being trying to get 25 contacts before the other team does Variations 1. Increase goal based on skill 2. Add a fourth player to the rotation 3. Set up two courts to have a competition

Coaching Points 1. Players should be loud and calling every ball Ball Control with Back Row Attacks passing, setting, ball control, back row attacks - This drill is to practice back row attacks to desired locations as well as increase communication skills.

Description This drill is to practice back row attacks to desired locations as well as increase communication skills. Setup 1. A player in the setter position on each side of the net 2. A player in the middle back position on each side of the net 3. Lines behind the middle back position outside of the court Instructions 1. Coach initiates drill with a free ball or down ball 2. Middle back passes to player in setter position 3. Setter sets to the middle back position 4. Middle back approaches and hits a controlled back row attack to middle back player on opposite side of the net 5. Continue this for a set number of contacts 6. Players rotate by following their ball, but staying on their own side of the net 7. Rotation should be: Middle back, to setter, to end of the line, to middle back Variations 1. Use a permanent setter on both sides instead of rotating setters Coaching Points 1. Make sure players are purposely back row attacking to a specific position

Back Row Running Warmup pass, set, hit, dig, warmup - This drill is good for warm up while practicing communication and ball control.

Description This drill is good for warm up while practicing communication and ball control. Setup 1. Same number of players on each side behind the ten foot line Instructions 1. Coach gives alternating sides free balls 2. Players dig, set, and back row attack while calling the ball 3. Each time a player touches the ball, they must run and touch the net before being able to touch the ball again 4. Play rally scoring games to a set number of points

Variations 1. Add a blocker to each side Coaching Points 1. The fewer number of players on each side, makes for more movement Endurance Hitting Drill volleyball hitting, passing, blocking - This high energy drill focuses on blocking, attacking, and endurance!

Description This high energy drill focuses on blocking, attacking, and endurance! Setup 1. Two tossers or coaches at the net 2. Follow letter diagrams for starting positions Instructions 1. Two tossers or coaches begin by tossing to their respective outside hitters 2. Hitters try to hit around the block to the middle back player 3. Middle back is trying for a good pass to the target area 4. Players rotate quickly and are ready for the next toss to the hitters 5. Continue drill by rotating: Hitter under the net to Blocker, Blocker to Middle back, Middle back to Hitter, Hitter under the net to Blocker, Blocker to Middle back 6. Continue drill until all players have attempted a certain number of hits 7. Rotations go in alphabetical order on diagram Variations 1. Add two setters and keep ball in play

Coaching Points 1. Watching to see if hitters "see the block" and aim to hit around them or adjust 2. Watching for blockers to adjust to toss where hitter will be

Reverse Sideout Game offense, passing, setting, hitting, serving - This drill will practice running the offense out of serve receive with emphasis on termination.

Description This drill will practice running the offense out of serve receive with emphasis on termination. Setup 1. Two teams on the court 2. One volleyball Instructions 1. Serving team starts drill with a serve 2. Play the ball out 3. If serving team wins the rally, the other team has to serve 4. If receiving team wins the rally, they score a point and receive another serve 5. You only score a point when you win the rally off of serve receive

6. Rotate as if playing a real volleyball game Variations 1. Give teams two points for winning rally off serve receive and one point for winning rally off a serve 2. Give a set amount of points to be scored before being able to rotate Coaching Points 1. Explaining the importance of terminating the ball served by the other team

Offense vs. Blockers volleyball offense, passing, setting, hitting, blocking - This volleyball drill will practice hitting against the block and transitioning off the net.

Description This volleyball drill will practice hitting against the block and transitioning off the net. Setup 1. 3 blockers on one side of net 2. 3 hitters, a setter, and two passers on one side Instructions 1. Coach tosses ball to passer 2. Passer passes to setter who sets any hitter running any team plays or sets 3. Blocking side attempts to block, focusing on attempting to double block every attack 4. Hitting side gets 1 point for every hard driven attack they can get past the block 5. Blocking side gets 1 point for every significant touch at the net 6. Have the setter and passers switch sides of the net to give the other players a chance to pass the free balls and attack 7. Play to a set number of points! Variations 1. Use a setter for both sides of the net and only have two front row hitters Coaching Points 1. Watching for significant touches at the net, not just barely touching the volleyball Offense Kill Drill volleyball hitting, passing, setting, defense, offense - This drill will practice the importance of terminating the ball by a hitter (getting a kill).

Description This drill will practice the importance of terminating the ball by a hitter (getting a kill). Setup 1. 3 hitting lines on the offense side with one setter 2. 3 back row defensive players on defense side 3. 3 front row defensive players on defense side Instructions 1. Coach tosses ball to setter 2. Setter sets to one of the three hitters 3. Hitter approaches and attacks ball aggressively 4. If the hitter puts the ball away (kill) they stay on the attacking side and get one point 5. If the hitter does not put the ball away, they rotate off and onto the back row of the defensive side 6. The back row player moves to front row defensive player, and the front row player moves to hitting lines on the attacking side 7. Play to a predetermined number of points.

Variations 1. Let the defensive side play out the ball 2. Play where the attackers hit in a specific order and hit a specific set Coaching Points 1. Explaining the importance of the kill! Not allowing the opposing team to have a chance at a side-out point. Vollebyball Jump Serve Up/Down serving - This drill will help players learn to jump serve from the end line when serving to a target area.

Description This drill will help players learn to jump serve from the end line when serving to a target area. Setup 1. Two coaches each with a serving line of players Instructions 1. Coach stands inside the court, with their left foot touching the end line 2. Coach tosses a low (antennae height) ball in front of the server 3. Server approaches and jumps from behind the end line 4. Coach calls "up" or "down" 5. If "up" is called, server swings and finishes with their thumb up (hitting the ball left) 6. If "down" is called, server swings and finishes with their thumb down (hitting the ball right of down the line) 7. Server swings and lands inside the court Variations 1. Can focus on individual servers one at a time, or can have a line rotating servers in and out Coaching Points 1. Coach and server are checking thumb for correct arm swing Volleyball Hitting: Bucket Ball hitting, passing, setting, offense - This drill practices effective roll shots to a specified target.

Description This drill practices effective roll shots to a specified target. Setup 1. One side of court: right and left side hitters, setter, and middle back passer 2. Opposite side of court: right and left side blockers and server near the ball cart "BUCKET" Instructions 1. Serves gives an easy serve over the net to the passer in middle back 2. Setter transitions to the net 3. Passer passes ball to setter who sets to either the right or left hitter 4. Setter alternates hitter each time ball is served 5. Hitter approaches aggressively and attempts to roll shot the ball into the ball cart "BUCKET" 6. Have the left and right side hitters compete against each other to see who can get the most into the bucket Variations 1. Can have teams of two hitters per side working together to get set number of balls into the bucket Coaching Points 1. Encouraging hitters to approach aggressively, to confuse the other team when they do the roll shot

Down Ball Challenge Volleyball down balls, hitting, passing - This volleyball drill will practice hitting and digging down balls.

Description This volleyball drill will practice hitting and digging down balls. Setup 1. One setter per side 2. Two players playing behind the ten foot line 3. Two coaches throwing in free balls or hitting down balls Instructions 1. Coach enters in the free ball, or down ball to alternating sides 2. Players passes ball to setter 3. Setter sets one of the two players 4. Players move their feet into position and hits a down ball over the net 5. Play ball out, until the ball is dead, winning side scores a point 6. Area within the ten foot line is out of bounds 7. Play to a specified number of points Variations 1. Add a blocker Coaching Points 1. Coach is making sure the down ball is contacted from behind the ten foot line Double Block Attacking Drill volleyball blocking, passing, setting, hitting, defense, offense - This blocking drill teachers players how to face a double block.

Description This blocking drill teachers players how to face a double block. Setup 1. 6 players on one side (attacking side) 2. 4 blockers, one server and two defenders on opposite side (defending side) Instructions 1. Start with the defending side serving 2. Defending side starts with 4 blockers on the net 3. If attacking side gets the ball past the block, then the defending side plays the ball out 4. The fourth blocker (right side) steps off the court to get out of the way of the offense and returns to court when ball goes to attacking side 5. Give the attacking side a goal to meet: 3 out of 5, 7 out of 10 etc. Variations 1. Change sides for the 4th blocker Coaching Points 1. Watching correct blocker positioning with footwork and hands Volleyball 24 Touches - Ball Control volleyball ball control, down balls, pass, set, hit - This drill is to practice ball control as a warm up to hitting, while working on communication and teamwork between players.

Description This drill is to practice ball control as a warm up to hitting, while working on communication and teamwork between players. Setup 1. Passer, setter, outside hitter per side 2. Line in middle back waiting to enter 3. Coach tossing in free balls Instructions 1. Coach tosses free ball to middle back player 2. Middle back passes to setter and follows the ball to become the next setter. 3. Setter sets the ball to the outside hitter, then follows ball to become the next outside hitter. 4. Outside hitter down balls over the net and goes to the end of the line on their side of the court. 5. Team is working together to get 24 touches in a row! If the ball hits the ground, the count starts over.

Variations 1. Can decrease or increase the touch number to make drill easier or more difficult.

Coaching Points 1. Coach should encourage players to count the touches out loud for the team to hear. Volleyball Defense: Touch Ten defense, passing, hitting, setting - This volleyball drill will teach the defensive player to be aggressive and ready to move.

Description This volleyball drill will teach the defensive player to be aggressive and ready to move. Setup 1. 3 hitting lines 2. One defender on opposite side Instructions 1. Run hitting lines with all three hitters 2. Coach tosses to setter 3. Setter can set any hitter and any set 4. Hitter tries to keep ball away from defender 5. Defender must touch 10 balls before rotating out 6. Defense can start anywhere Variations 1. Add more defenders 2. Have two hitting lines and allow the setter to dump

Coaching Points 1. Making sure defender makes contact with the volleyball 2. Can call out certain sets that the coach wants to see

Volleyball: Passing Free Balls to Setter passing, setting, transition, free ball ball control, defense, offense - This volleyball drill helps players understand proper movement for free ball transition, when passing to the setter.

Description This volleyball drill helps players understand proper movement for free ball transition, when passing to the setter. Setup 1. 6 players on the court in defensive positions 2. Coach tossing free balls Instructions 1. Coach will toss a free ball, setter yells, "free ball," and transitions quickly to target position at net. 2. As players are transitioning, coach tosses ball to where one player should be standing if in the correct position 3. Players call the ball and makes a pass to the setter 4. Setter sets the ball high outside to the left front hitter 5. Hitter catches ball and bounces to coach under the net 6. Players return to base positions and repeat 7. Rotate after a set number of passes

Variations 1. More advanced, have the hitter make a full approach and hit the ball over the net Coaching Points 1. Coach is watching for quick transitioning 2. Making sure setter and/or team is yelling "free ball" Free Ball: Pass, Set, Cover, and Catch volleyball pass, set, transition, free ball, offense - This volleyball drill teaches players how to get into a free ball offense.

Description This volleyball drill teaches players how to get into a free ball offense. Setup 1. 6 players on one side of the court 2. Coach with a passing line on opposite side 3. Players waiting behind serving line to rotate on

Instructions 1. Coach tosses a ball to the passing line 2. Player passes the free ball over the net 3. Setter yells, "free ball," and transitions to the net 4. Players pass the ball to the setter 5. Setter sets to a front row player (one of the hitters) 6. Hitter approaches and catches the ball 7. Players who are not hitting the ball should cover their hitter 8. Players return to defensive base positions 9. Repeat and rotate when signaled by coach

Variations 1. Instead of catching the ball, have the hitters tip or hit the balls over the net (more advanced) Coaching Points 1. Watching for correct transitions 2. Making sure if players are not the one hitting, that they are covering correctly

Volleyball Back Row Attack: Ping Pong volleyball ball control, back row attacking, hitting, passing, setting, defense, offense - This ball control drill is designed to teach the pass, set, hit tempo from behind the volleyball ten foot line.

Description This ball control drill is designed to teach the pass, set, hit tempo from behind the volleyball ten foot line. Setup 1. Divide into teams of 3 players each 2. Coach to the side with volleyballs Instructions 1. Start with two teams of 3 on each side of the court, with 2 more teams of 3 waiting behind each serving line.

2. Coach starts drill with a free ball toss. Teams try to pass, set, hit the ball to the other team, but MUST stay behind the ten foot line. 3. If a team of 3 commits an error, they are out of the drill, having been eliminated. 4. As soon as a team of 3 hits the ball over the net successfully, they rotate off and enter behind the opposite side of the court. 5. When there are only two teams of three left in the drill, they play one more ball to determine who the winning team is. That team earns a point for their team. 6. Play until a certain amount of points have been earned. Variations 1. Can play without the elimination rule, and just have teams rotate back in from the back row. 2. Can begin the drill with a serve in instead of a tossed ball from the coach. Coaching Points 1. Watch to make sure players are leaving the ground from behind the ten foot line when hitting the ball. Ball Control: Pass, Set, Downball volleyball downballs, ball control, pass, set, hit - This volleyball drill teaches how to hit a down ball to a desired location as well as work on communication skills between players.

Description This volleyball drill teaches how to hit a down ball to a desired location as well as work on communication skills between players. Setup 1. Three passers per side 2. One setter per side 3. Coach tossing in free balls 4. A line in middle back of the court waiting to rotate in Instructions 1. Coach initiates drill with free ball toss. 2. Players pass and set 3. If the setter sets to a right or left player, that player down ball hits it to the other side and rotates off to the line 4. If the setter sets to the middle player, everyone stays for the next ball, no one rotates off 5. Other side of net plays the same way Variations 1.Can do back row attacking instead of hitting down balls

2. Can start with a serve instead of a free ball toss, could also make a serving line too instead of setting up both sides for passers Coaching Points 1. Encourage players to down ball hit to a specific location 2. Watching players to make a meaningful choice of where the ball should go

Volleyball Ball Control Elimination volleyball pass, set, hit, defense, offense, back row attack - This elimination drill teaches players how to pin point exactly where they want their hit to go.

Description This elimination drill teaches players how to pin point exactly where they want their hit to go. Setup 1. Three back row passers on each side of the net 2. Coach tossing balls in 3. Setter on both sides of net 4. Passer lines on both sides Instructions 1. Coach initiates drill with a free ball toss into one side (should be close to the ten foot line) 2. Back row passer, moves up to make a good pass to the setter and quickly backs up to get ready to hit the ball 3. Setter sets to the player who passed them the ball 4. Hitter hits the ball over the net, trying to hit it to an opposing player (NOT trying to hit the ground, trying to keep the rally going) 5. If it's not a hit directly to the opposing player, that player is out of the drill and a new player slides into their spot. 6. The drill continues until there is only one player left. Variations 1. You can have one player serve the ball to begin the drill. Coaching Points 1. Watch for players who are not aiming for their target. Volleyball Ball Control: Two person Four Square volleyball down balls, ball control, pass-set-hit, passing, setting, hitting, serving - This volleyball drill increases accuracy in down balls to desired locations while also increasing communication skills between players.

Description This volleyball drill increases accuracy in down balls to desired locations while also increasing communication skills between players. Setup 1. Volleyball court divided into half longways to make four total squares.

Instructions 1. Players should understand that square 1 is the desired square and always serves the volleyball. 2. Teams of two: pass, set, and hit controlled down balls to team on opposite side of net. 3. Players should try to keep ball in play by controlling where their down ball goes to. 4. If a team makes an error or lets the ball hit their half of the court, they rotate off. 5. New team of two rotates into to square four, hoping to make it around to square 1, the serving square. 6. Play for a set amount of time, the team who ends in square 1 when time is up is the winning team!

Variations 1. Keep score if desired.

Coaching Points 1. Encouraging team to keep ball in play. Volleyball Double Serving Game volleyball serving, serve defense, passing, setting, hitting - This volleyball drill teaches the importance of trying your best for every point and trying to get every ball!

Description This volleyball drill teaches the importance of trying your best for every point and trying to get every ball! Setup 1. Two teams of six 2. 12 volleyballs per team

Instructions 1. Set up is the same as for a game, one team of 6 per side of the net 2. Each team starts out with 12 volleyballs 3. The first team serves twice. The team that wins each rally gets to keep that volleyball. 4. Each team serves twice, then the opposing team serves twice. Teams rotate when they acquire the serve back. 5. The team that finishes with the most volleyballs at the end wins. Variations 1. Can make it the end of the game after one complete team rotation. Coaching Points 1. Coaches are watching to make sure players are giving their 100% effort for every ball served. Back Row Attacking Drill volleyball hitting, back row attack, pass, set, hit, offense, defense - This fast paced drill will focus on back row attacking from behind the ten foot line.

Description This fast paced drill will focus on back row attacking from behind the ten foot line. Setup 1. 3 Back row passers on each side of the net 2. A setter to be shared between both courts Instructions 1. Coach gives either side a free ball. 2. Players pass, set, and hit ONLY from behind the ten foot line. 3. Play the ball out. 4. Setter must duck under the net to set for both teams. 5. Teams can keep score to make it more competitive. Variations 1. Can start the drill with a serve from either team. Coaching Points

1. Make sure the players understand they must leave the ground from behind the ten foot line in order for it to be considered a "back row attack." Quick Setter Transitioning Drill volleyball setting, passing, hitting, defense - This fast paced drill is to teach the setter how to quickly transition to the net.

Description This fast paced drill is to teach the setter how to quickly transition to the net. Setup 1. 3 players laying face down on the serving line: a setter, middle back, and outside hitter

Instructions 1. Coach will slap the ball as a signal to stand up quickly, and toss the ball to the middle back player. 2. Setter quickly transitions to the net and prepares to set the passed ball. 3. Middle back makes a pass to the setter, who sets to the outside hitter, who hits the ball over the net. 4. Players rotate lines, except for the setter, Setter re-sets on serving line.

Variations 1. Can keep score of how many good hits are over the net and in bounds. Coaching Points 1. Allow players to rotate lines, between the passer and hitter lines. 2. Switch out setters often.

Serve Receive Transition to Hitting Drill Volleyball serve receive, serving, passing, hitting, setting - This is a great drill for players to work on serve receive and hitting at the same time.

Description This is a great drill for players to work on serve receive and hitting at the same time. Setup 1. Two groups of 5 players on each side of the net: 3 passers, one setter, and one server

Instructions 1. One team starts the drill by serving the ball to the opposing team. 2. The receiving team passes the ball to the setter, knowing if they pass it, they will be set the ball to hit. 3. After the setter sets to the player who passed, the passer now hits the ball to the opposite team. 4. The hitter can also call out, "outside, middle, or back" to help teammates get in position to cover their hitter. 5. Alternate who the serving team is every time a play is over. Variations 1. Can keep score to make it more game like. Coaching Points 1. Coaches should explain to the hitters that in order to get a good set, it starts with a good pass. 3 Player Down Ball with Movement Volleyball, Down Ball, Warm-up, Drill - This volleyball drill focuses on hitting a down ball to a specific area after a series of touches.

Description This volleyball drill focuses on hitting a down ball to a specific area after a series of touches. Setup 1. Split the team into 2 teams.

2. Place a setter for each team near the net. 3. Three players step up off the baseline as the remaining players are in a line at the baseline. Instructions 1. The coach starts with a free ball to one of the teams. 2. The player that has the first contact passes to the setter. 3. The setter returns a overhead pass to one of the 3 players. 4. The player receiving the set plays a down ball over the net to the other team. 5. The player that hits the down ball steps off and a new player takes their place. 6. The play continues on the other side of the court. Variations
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N/A Coaching Points

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Focus on all aspects of the pass, set, and down ball. Make sure proper technique is used on the down ball hit.

Coverage Drill Volleyball coverage drill, hitting, blocking, defense - This volleyball coverage drill will teach the team how to cover their hitters.

Description This volleyball coverage drill will teach the team how to cover their hitters. Setup 1. 6 players in normal set on one side of the court (receiving the ball) 2. 2 blockers in EACH of the three blocking zones on the opposite side Instructions 1. Coach tosses a ball to receiving side who plays the ball. 2. With so many blockers (6) chances are the return will be blocked. 3. Receiving side covers the hitters and passes up the blocked ball.

Variations Can encourage team to get three in a row before rotating positions.

Coaching Points Look to see where holes are on coverage or in block. 12 Ball Wash Drill defense, offense, back row attack, passing, setting, hitting, serve defense, ball control - This drill teaches back row attacking and how to defend back row attacks.

Description This drill teaches back row attacking and how to defend back row attacks. Setup One team on each side of the net. Coach starts by tossing a ball into play. Instructions 1. Explain that they are playing a volleyball game, but ONLY the back row players are allowed to attack. 2. Must win 2 points in a row in order to rotate. 3. Coach alternates sides with free ball toss in. 4. Team that completes an entire team rotation first wins. Variations 1. To speed up game only require one point before rotating. 2. For advanced players, may require more then two in a row before rotating. Advanced players or teams may be able to do 5 in a row before having to rotate. 3. Allow more advanced players to serve the ball into play instead of a coaches toss. Coaching Points 1. Make sure players who are attacking from back row, leave the ground from behind the ten foot line. Volleyball 3v3 Drill - Reading the Block volleyball drill read block formation - This volleyball 3v3 drill is great to teach your offense how to read and react to the defense. Players are forced to read whether the defense has blockers and must react to each scenario.

Description This volleyball 3v3 drill is great to teach your offense how to read and react to the defense. Players are forced to read whether the defense has blockers and must react to each scenario. Setup 1. Split into 2 teams of 3 (3v3). 2. One team has 2 blocking players and a passer. 3. The other team has a passer, setter, and hitting player. 4. The coach should have a rack of balls off the court. Instructions 1. The coach begins the drill by playing a free ball over the net to the team with the passer, setter, and hitter. 2. As the ball is played over the net the coach calls out whether the blockers should attempt the block or not. 3. The passer, setter, and hitter must react to the defense and quickly get into position to return the ball. 4. Players should play out the point 3 vs 3. Variations
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Allow the defense to choose when to block or not. Alter the drill to focus on Blocking and focus on blocking communication and positioning. Coaching Points

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Listen for good communication among the players. Make sure the players are reading the block and altering their position based on the blocking players.

Triangle Pepper Drill - Over the Net Volleyball Pepper Drill - This volleyball pepper drill will focus on the rhythm of passing, setting, and hitting over the net to a specific target.

Description This volleyball pepper drill will focus on the rhythm of passing, setting, and hitting over the net to a specific target. Setup 1. Position 3 players on each side of the court in a triangle (left back, left front, and a setter). 2. The coach is at the net off the court with a supply of balls. Instructions 1. The coach throws a free ball into the left back. 2. The left back passes to the setter. 3. The setter sets a ball to the left front. 4. The left front hits a ball to the opposing left back and the pattern is repeated. 5. After the hitter hits the ball over, the left back and left front switch positions. Variations
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After the hit over the net have all 3 players switch. Start off with no jump for the hitter and add jump as hitting control is improved Coaching Points

Insure proper technique for all aspects of the digging, passing, setting and hitting.

Volleyball Ball Control with Movement Volleyball Ball Control, Warm-up, Drill - This is a great drill to focus on ball control and movement on the court.

Description This is a great drill to focus on ball control and movement on the court. Setup 1. Start with 3 target players spread out along the net with a ball each. 2. Set ploy markers in front of each target player about 10 feet from the target player, and along the end line. 3. The remaining players start at the server position. Instructions 1. The first player in line at the server position sprints forward towards the target player in front of them. 2. When he approaches the marker the target player throws a ball that is returned by the working player. 3. The working player then shuffles to the middle cone, the target player throws a ball to them, and they return it to that target player. 4. They then backpedal to the cone behind them along the end line, touch the cone, and sprint diagonally to the 3rd target player. 5. The target player tosses the ball to the working player who returns the ball to this target player. 6. Once the ball is returned, the working player sprints around the outside of the court and returns to the line. 7. Switch the target players after a few minutes. Variations
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Modify the contact type: setting, bumping, tomahawk, spike. Have the target players not catch the ball, but make contact so that the next working player can start and move through the course without dropping the balls. Coaching Points

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Proper technique for each of the contact types Quick movement

Volleyball - 2 Player Pepper Drill Multiple Hits Volleyball Pepper Drill, Ball Control, Digs, Tomahawk, Set, Down Ball - This pepper drill is great for working on ball control as it works on a variety of contact types.

Description This pepper drill is great for working on ball control as it works on a variety of contact types. Setup 1. Split the team into groups of 2 with 1 ball per group. 2. Have the players stand 10-15 feet apart. Instructions 1. One player hits a down ball to their partner. 2. The partner should dig the ball to themselves and follow up with the following hits to themselves: tomahawk (overhead), right fist, left fist, set, then return the ball with a down ball to their partner. 3. This action is repeated. Variations
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Alter the order or types of hits performed Coaching Points

Focus on good contact and good ball control.

Line Hitting Drill Volleyball Line Hitting Drill - This volleyball hitting drill focuses on hitting down the line as well as getting into a passing rhythm setting up the shot down the line.

Description This volleyball hitting drill focuses on hitting down the line as well as getting into a passing rhythm setting up the shot down the line. Setup 1. Set up 3 players on each side of the court. A line defender, a setter, and a hitter. 2. The line defender should position themselves and defend the line opposite the hitter. 3. The coach needs a supply of balls near the net. Instructions 1. The coach throws a free ball to the line defender on one side of the court who passes to the setter. 2. The setter then sets to the hitter along the side line. 3. The hitter plays a ball down the line towards the line defender. 4. The play should continue until the ball is dropped. Variations
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Have the players rotate positions every contact following the path of their ball. Change up the location of the players to match your offense or defense. Coaching Points

Focus on bump, set, hitting techniques.

Over the Net Pepper Drill Volleyball Pepper Drill - This warm-up will focus on ball control of a ball coming over the net. This volleyball drill will focus on digging, setting, and returning a controlled ball to their partner on the other side of the net.

Description This warm-up will focus on ball control of a ball coming over the net. This volleyball drill will focus on digging, setting, and returning a controlled ball to their partner on the other side of the net. Setup 1. Split into groups of 2 with a ball each. 2. One player on each side of the net. Instructions

1. One player starts with a ball played over the net in a downward flight. 2. Player two must dig the ball to themselves, set the ball to themselves, then return a ball on a downward flight to the other player. 3. Continue this pattern until players become comfortable with each of the hits. Variations
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Spread the players farther apart while continuing to focus on getting the ball to their partner. Only allow a overhead set, then hit on the next touch. Coaching Points Focus on:

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good digging technique good setting technique good spiking technique