Volleyball Drills to Better Your Skills

Simple drills to refine the fundamentals

Getting back into volleyball after a long break requires easing into the sport with focused, fundamental drills that boost both conditioning and technical abilities. Whether you're coming back after the offseason or just want to refine your skills, these drills can help you get back into game shape while improving essential volleyball techniques.

1. Pass and Move Drill:

This classic drill emphasizes conditioning and accuracy—two key aspects of volleyball. Here’s how it works:

• Players pair up, with one as the passer and the other as the tosser.
• The passer returns the ball to the tosser, touches their toes, then retreats to pass the next ball.

Purpose: The constant movement keeps the players in motion, improving their stamina and forcing them to maintain control while fatigued. It sharpens both passing skills and footwork.

2. Dig, Volley, Roll Warm-up:

This drill combines defense and ball control.

• Players volley the ball to each other.
• The receiver digs to themselves before volleying back, while the original player completes a dive or roll.

Purpose: This warm-up enhances agility, defensive awareness, and recovery technique, key for fast-paced gameplay.

3. Superman Passing Drill:

This drill promotes positioning and movement anticipation.

• A coach tosses balls into open spaces on the court, and players must move quickly to get behind the ball, allowing it to bounce through their legs.

Purpose: This drill encourages players to read the trajectory of the ball and improve their passing accuracy by getting their body behind the ball every time.

4. Quick Offense Drill:

Simulating game speed, this drill emphasizes transition play and quick thinking.

• Athletes form three lines at the back of the court, and setters position themselves on the right side.
• The coach tosses a ball to the middle, and the players run in to pass, set, and attack, before the next group quickly repeats the process.

Purpose: This drill hones quick offensive transitions and improves team coordination.

5. 3 Hits, 3 Digs:

This defensive drill is great for practicing readiness and reacting to different attacks.

• One player digs three balls—starting with a hard hit, followed by a deep ball, and then a tip.

Purpose: This drill helps athletes prepare for varied offensive attacks, improving both hitting and defensive readiness.

6. On the Mat Serving Accuracy Drill:

Accuracy is critical in serving, and this drill focuses on honing that precision.

• Mats or targets are placed on one side of the court, and players take turns serving to hit the target areas. Set a number of successful serves required before moving on.

Purpose: This drill builds precision and consistency, critical for serving under pressure.

7. Side to Side Setting Drill:

Partner-based drills are perfect for enhancing lateral movement and accuracy.

• One player sets to either side of their partner, forcing them to move side to side. After a few minutes, the players switch roles.

Purpose: The constant movement helps improve the agility and reaction time needed for quick-setting situations.

8. BONGO Game:

This fun drill combines team play with the thrill of competition.

• Six players are placed on each side. The coach throws a free ball, and the team that successfully wins the point gets a second, and then a third free ball. The objective is to win three free balls in a row before serving to earn a point. If a team doesn’t win the serve, the free balls reset, and the other team gets their chance.

Purpose: The BONGO game emphasizes teamwork, transition, and maintaining focus through continuous play.

Bonus Tips:

• Add Intensity Gradually: Always start with warm-ups to avoid injury. As you progress, increase the drill intensity.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is key during long drills to maintain performance.
• Communicate: Volleyball is a team sport, and good communication on the court will significantly boost the efficiency of every drill.
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These drills will help players of all levels refine their skills and get back into peak volleyball condition while making practice sessions engaging and effective.

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