Youth Volleyball Drills for Beginners

Lecture 4: Fun Warm-Up Games to Start Practice

Hey there! Welcome back to the course. In this lecture, we’re going to go over some fun warm-up games that are perfect for starting any youth volleyball practice.

These games aren’t just about warming up the body—they help kids shake off nerves, get moving, and have fun right away. When you start with a smile and energy, the rest of practice tends to go a lot smoother!

Let’s jump into it.

1. Volleyball Tag

This one’s a kid favorite.

Everyone jogs around the court.

One or two players are "It" and carry a volleyball.

To tag someone, they must gently touch them with the ball (no throwing).

Once tagged, the new player becomes "It".

It’s fast, fun, and gets kids laughing right away. You can switch the taggers every minute or two.

2. Freeze Shuffle

All players shuffle side to side or jog in place.

When you yell “Freeze!” they must stop and hold a ready volleyball stance.

Add in a ball toss or challenge—like “Freeze, and now show me your best passing platform!”

It’s a great way to work on control and awareness, while keeping energy high.

3. Ball Balance Relay

Divide into small teams.

Each player must run or shuffle from one line to another while balancing a volleyball on their hand, or bumping it lightly.

If they drop the ball, they pick it up and keep going—no pressure!

It builds coordination while feeling like a game.

4. Shadow Partner Movement

Players pair up.

One is the leader, the other is the shadow.

The leader moves in different volleyball motions: shuffles, jumps, lunges.

The shadow has to mimic them exactly.

Switch roles every 30 seconds. It teaches movement and focus, and kids love being the leader.

5. Serve & Chase

Line kids up with a ball.

They serve (or toss if not ready yet), then sprint after it, retrieve it, and hustle back.

It builds power, energy, and gets their heart rate up fast.

Keep it light and fun—cheer for effort!

Warm-up games are one of the best ways to make practice something kids look forward to. They help players get moving, stay engaged, and mentally prepare to learn new skills.

Next up, we’ll dive into Footwork & Court Movement Basics as we work on proper footwork.

See you in the next lesson!

Lecture 5: Footwork & Court Movement Basics

Hi everyone! Welcome to this lecture on Footwork and Court Movement Basics—a key foundation for every volleyball player, especially beginners.

Whether your athletes are passing, setting, or attacking, proper footwork and knowing how to move on the court are essential to success and injury prevention. Today, we’ll break down a few key movement concepts, then walk through some simple drills designed for young players.

Let’s get started!

What Is Court Movement?

In volleyball, court movement means how players move between positions, cover space, and prepare for the ball. It includes things like:

Staying low and balanced

Quick shuffle steps

Moving from “Base” to “Defense”

Transitioning from defense to offense

Teaching kids to move with intention—not just run randomly—is what this lesson is all about.

Drill 1: Base to Defense Movement

The purpose of the drill is to help players learn to move from a neutral ready position to a defensive stance.

Here's How to Run It:

Start in the “Base” position (middle of the court).

On the coach’s cue (or whistle), players take a few quick shuffle steps into a defensive stance (left or right).

Return to base, repeat 5–10 times.

Coaching Tip: Emphasize staying low, quick feet, and always facing forward.

Drill 2: Side Shuffle Line Drill

The purpose of the drill is to Develops lateral movement and balance.

Here's How to Run It:

Set cones or markers 10–15 feet apart.

Players shuffle side to side, touching each cone, while staying in a low athletic stance.

Variation: Add a volleyball toss halfway through so they practice shuffling and reacting to a ball.

Drill 3: Forward and Back Pedal Reaction

The purpose of the drill is to Help players learn to react to different types of plays (short balls vs deep balls).

Here's How to Run It:

Players start in a ready position.

Coach gives a visual or verbal cue—"forward!" or "back!"

Players sprint forward a few steps or backpedal safely, then return to base.

Fun Option: Add a ball to catch, toss, or bump once they move.

Drill 4: Footwork Relay Race

The purpose of the drill is to Make footwork fun while building speed and agility.

Here's How to Run It:

Divide players into teams.

Set up a short course with cones: shuffle, forward sprint, backpedal, and jump.

Players race through the course and tag the next teammate.

Focus: Good form over speed. Encourage cheering and teamwork.

Drill 5: 3-Step Attack Approach Drill

The purpose of the drill is to Teach young players the proper footwork for attacking (spiking), helping them build rhythm, coordination, and timing.

How to Run It:

Players start 3–4 steps off the net in a ready position.

On the coach’s cue, they perform a left-right-left approach (for right-handed hitters; reverse for lefties), focusing on explosive movement and balance.

Finish with an arm swing motion (no ball needed at first).

Progress to adding a tossed ball for a simulated hit or jump.

Coaching Tip: Emphasize starting slow and building rhythm—step, step, jump. Keep arms back during the approach and drive forward with power.

Awesome job, coaches and players! These simple footwork drills will help your young athletes feel more confident and capable on the court. When they know how to move, they’ll get to more balls, make better passes, and be ready for every play.

Coming up next, we’ll move on to Agility and Reaction Drills for Kids. I’ll see you in the next lecture!

Lecture 6: Agility and Reaction Drills for Kids

Hey there, coaches and parents!

Welcome to this lecture: Agility and Reaction Drills for Kids — a key building block for any young volleyball athlete.

Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that requires quick feet, sharp reactions, and body control. These drills are designed to be simple, fun, and highly effective in developing those athletic traits in beginners.

Let’s get right into it!

Why Agility and Reaction Matter

Agility helps players move quickly and smoothly on the court — from defense to offense, left to right, and forward or back.

Reaction time helps them respond to unpredictable plays like tips, blocks, and hard-driven balls. When kids learn to move with control and quickness, they build confidence and improve every volleyball skill they learn afterward.

Drill 1: Reaction Ball Drop

The purpose of the drill is to Train hand-eye coordination and quick reaction time.

How to Run It:

One player holds a tennis ball or reaction ball at shoulder height.

A partner kneels in front with hands ready.

Drop the ball at random — the kneeling player must catch it before it hits the ground.

Variation: Add movement side-to-side before catching.

Drill 2: Quick Feet Ladder

The purpose of the drill is to Improve fast footwork and body control.

How to Run It:

Set up a floor ladder (or tape squares on the ground).

Players move through the ladder with quick, light steps: one foot in each square, two-foot hops, in-and-outs, etc.

Tip: Focus on speed and control.

Drill 3: Mirror Shuffle

The purpose of the drill is to Build reaction, lateral speed, and visual focus.

How to Run It:

Players pair up and face each other.

One player is the leader, the other is the mirror.

Leader shuffles left, right, forward, back — the mirror must follow instantly.

Fun Twist: Set a timer and switch roles.

Drill 4: Coach Says

The purpose of the drill is to have fun, which is a fun take on "Simon Says" that improves listening and reaction.

How to Run It:

Coach gives commands like “Jump!”, “Shuffle left!”, “Dive!” or “Base!”.

Only act if the coach says “Coach says...” before the command.

Kids who move without the cue do 3 jumping jacks.

Why It Works: Builds fast thinking and listening under pressure — just like real games.

Drill 5: Ball Toss Reaction Dash

The purpose of the drill is to Teach quick sprinting and decision-making.

How to Run It:

Players stand about 10 feet away from the coach.

Coach tosses a ball left, right, or forward.

Player reacts, sprints, and catches or touches the ball before it bounces twice.

Progression: Have them perform a forearm pass back to the coach instead of catching.

Drill 6: Side-to-Side Dive Drill

The purpose of the drill is to Introduce basic floor movement and diving for balls.

How to Run It:

Players start in a ready position.

Coach rolls a ball slowly left or right.

Player shuffles quickly, reaches, and either catches or gently dives to stop the ball.

Safety Note: Teach how to dive safely—use a soft mat if indoors.

And there you have it—awesome agility and reaction drills designed just for youth volleyball beginners!

These drills not only develop athleticism, but they’re also a ton of fun. Feel free to mix and match them during warm-ups, circuits, or as game-day energizers.

In the next lecture, we’ll explore Passing Techniques and Drills, so your players can start building solid ball control skills. See you there!

Lecture 7: How to Teach the Passing Platform

Hi everyone!

Welcome to this lecture: "How to Teach the Passing Platform." If you're working with youth players, this is one of the most important foundational skills to teach early — and to teach correctly. A strong passing platform is the gateway to every successful play in volleyball.

Let’s walk through what the passing platform is, how to teach it, and then go through some beginner-friendly drills that make it easy and fun to learn.

What Is the Passing Platform?

The passing platform is the flat surface created when a player joins their forearms together to guide and control the ball after a serve or attack. Think of it like a steering wheel — it directs where the ball will go.

To build a strong platform:

Extend both arms straight out in front

Lock your elbows

Put one hand in the other with thumbs side-by-side and pointed down

Keep the shoulders forward and your body balanced

We want players to be low, stable, and ready to move — not reaching with their arms or swinging their platform.

Teaching Tip: Use Visuals and Physical Cues

With kids, show them first. Demonstrate the platform with a straight back, knees bent, and arms strong like a board. Use analogies like “robot arms” or “frozen arms” to help them remember not to bend their elbows or swing wildly.

Have them mirror you, then check their platform. Give each player 1–2 quick corrections before moving into drills.

Drill 1: Platform Mirror

The purpose of the drill is to Help kids visualize and build the correct arm and hand shape for passing.

How to Run It:

Players pair up and face each other.

One player holds the platform position while the other gently taps their arms to check for firmness and straightness.

Switch roles every 30 seconds.

Variation: Coach walks around and gives quick pointers.

Drill 2: Wall Passing

The purpose of the drill is to Build control and touch while using a consistent platform.

How to Run It:

Players stand a few feet away from a wall.

Toss or serve the ball to themselves and pass it against the wall.

Try to hit the same target on the wall repeatedly using correct form.

Coaching Points: Watch platform angle, follow through to the target, and stay balanced.

Drill 3: Partner Toss & Pass

The purpose of the drill is to Reinforce real-game receiving skills with a focus on platform accuracy.

How to Run It:

One partner tosses the ball underhand.

The other receives it with proper passing form.

Switch every 5–10 passes.

Challenge: Hit a cone or target zone behind the tosser.

Drill 4: Base to Defense + Pass

The purpose of the drill is to Combine movement with passing to simulate real-game action.

How to Run It:

Players start in their base position.

On the coach’s signal, they shuffle into defensive posture (left, right, or forward).

Coach tosses a ball for the player to pass back.

Coaching Points: Emphasize moving first, then platform — not reaching!

Drill 5: Ball Balance Challenge

The purpose of the drill is to Encourage platform stillness and stability.

How to Run It:

Players create their platform and balance a volleyball on it for 10 seconds.

Walk forward and backward without dropping the ball.

Try to turn without letting the ball roll off.

Why It Works: Teaches body control and discourages swinging arms.

Awesome work, coaches! The passing platform might look simple, but it takes time and repetition to master — especially for kids just learning the game.

These drills are simple, effective, and designed to make learning the platform fun and active. In the next lecture, we’ll talk about Partner Passing Drills.

Thanks for watching — see you in the next lesson!

Lecture 8: Partner Passing Drills

Welcome back, coaches and volleyball friends!

In this lecture, we're focusing on a vital part of youth volleyball development — Partner Passing Drills.

These drills are perfect for beginners because they combine repetition, teamwork, and movement, all while reinforcing proper passing technique. Teaching kids how to pass with a partner helps them build confidence, consistency, and communication.

Let’s get into the drills!

Drill 1: Toss–Pass–Catch

The purpose of the drill is to Reinforce controlled passing with a fun rhythm.

How to Run It:

Partner A tosses the ball to Partner B.

Partner B passes it back.

Partner A catches and tosses again.

Why It Works: It slows things down for younger kids and allows for good repetitions.

Drill 2: 3-Pass Challenge

The purpose of the drill is to Build control with longer rallies.

How to Run It:

Partners try to complete 3 passes in a row without dropping the ball.

Once successful, move to 5 or 10 in a row.

Coaching Tip: Reinforce quality over speed — slow, controlled passes are key.

Drill 3: Pass & Move

The purpose of the drill is to Encourage movement after the pass.

How to Run It:

Partners pass the ball back and forth.

After each pass, players take one shuffle step to the left or right.

Focus is on controlled passing while staying mobile.

Why It Works: Teaches players to pass on the move and reset quickly.

Drill 4: Pass & Clap

The purpose of the drill is to Promote fast hands and body control.

How to Run It:

Partner tosses the ball.

Player passes, then tries to clap before the ball is returned.

Switch after 10 passes.

Fun Factor: Great challenge to keep younger kids engaged and giggling.

Drill 5: Call the Target

The purpose of the drill is to Add communication and target practice.

How to Run It:

Partner tosses the ball.

Player passes and calls out where the ball should go (e.g., “setter!” or “zone 2!”).

Encourages awareness and voice.

Drill 6: Pass, Turn, Pass

The purpose of the drill is to Improve quick body positioning and reaction.

How to Run It:

Player faces away from partner.

On “Go!” player turns, receives a toss, and passes.

Repeat 5–10 reps per player.

These partner passing drills are great for skill building, communication, and keeping practice fun. They’re easy to adapt for players of different skill levels and they give your young athletes the foundation they need to succeed.

Remember to give lots of positive feedback, keep the energy high, and encourage teamwork throughout the drills.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Lecture 9: Moving and Passing Combo Drills

Welcome to this lecture on Moving and Passing Combo Drills—a critical part of helping young players connect footwork with passing in a game-like setting. As kids start understanding how to move and pass with control, you’ll see their confidence and gameplay awareness skyrocket.

In this session, we’ll walk through several simple, beginner-friendly drills that combine movement and passing in a way that keeps players active and focused.

Let’s dive in.

Drill 1: Passing Side to Side

Start with a group of 3.  2 Tossers who each have a ball and a passer. The passer will start in front of 1 tosser and shuffle to the 2nd tosser who will toss them the ball.  The passer will pass the ball back then shuffle back to the other tosser who will toss a ball.  Go back and forth for 10 passes and switch.

Drill 2: Passing Side to Side - Cross

Start with a group of 3. 2 Tossers who each have a ball and a passer. The passer will start in front of 1 tosser and shuffle to the 2nd tosser.  This time the passer will face the to the tosser who will toss them the ball cross. The passer will pass the ball back then shuffle back to the other tosser who will toss a ball cross. Go back and forth for 10 passes and switch.

Drill 3: Passing Short and Deep

Start with a group of 3.  2 Tossers who each have a ball and a passer. The passer will start in the middle. 1 tosser will start by tossing short in which the passer will run up and pass it back then go back to the middle.  Then immediately the other tosser will toss back in which the passer will shuffle back and pass a deep ball.  Go back and forth for 10 passes and switch. Then switch which toss tosses short and which tosses deep.

Drill 4: Passing under the net

Have players partner up. 1 player will stand in passing stance with their platform under the net. The tosser will toss the ball to the passers platform.  With control the passer will pass the ball with their platform that extended under the net.  It will teach the player’s to keep separation with their platform and stop them from passing close to their body.  5-10 balls then switch.

Drill 5: Shuffle and Dig

Start with a line of passers on the side of the court, a tosser at the net, and a target in the middle of the net.  1 passer at a time will shuffle in, the tosser will toss the ball to the passer and the passer will pass the ball back to the target.  Then the next passer will go.  Do 5-10 balls, then switch if needed. Then have them shuffle in from the other side.

Drill 6: Left Back run throughs

Start with half of the team off the court in LB.  Have 1 person enter the court at base and transition back to defense staying loaded and facing where the ball is coming from.  The tosser(coach) will immediately toss a run through ball to the middle of the court so that the LB player has to run through and use 2 hands to dig it up to the target.  Have everyone dig 5 balls then switch. Also do this in middle back and left back.

Each of these drills gives young players the opportunity to link movement with passing under pressure—just like in real matches. Be sure to remind them to stay low, balanced, and communicate with their teammates as they move.

Encourage good habits early, like keeping their hands and feet ready and returning to base position after each movement.

Coming up next: We’ll look at “Target Passing Games”. See you in the next lecture!

Lecture 10: Target Passing Games

Welcome back! In this lecture, we’re going to focus on something young players absolutely love—Target Passing Games.

These are fun, engaging drills that combine skill development with playful competition. They’re perfect for beginners because they give immediate feedback and help players focus on accuracy while still having fun.

We'll also include some movement-based drills like "Base to Defense" to reinforce positioning.

Let’s get started.

Drill 1: Bucket Target Pass

Place a bucket, hula hoop, or cone target on the court. Players pass the ball aiming to land it inside or near the target.

Focus on Passing accuracy, platform angle.

Fun Tip: Keep score and let kids compete individually or in teams!

Drill 2: Zone Passing Game

Divide the court into left, middle, and right zones. Assign points for passing to each. Players pass balls into the called-out zone.

Focus on Directional passing and reading cues.

Drill 3: Knockdown Cones .

Try to Set up cones or plastic bottles. Players pass to knock them over.

Focus on Fun competition and focused accuracy.

Drill 4: Team Relay Passing

Divide players into teams. One by one, players pass to a target and then run back to tag the next teammate.

Focus on Team energy, quick movement, consistent form.

These games make learning how to pass fun, competitive, and meaningful. By aiming at targets, players build spatial awareness and learn how to control the ball directionally, which is a key skill on the court.

You can modify any of these to be simpler or more challenging depending on the age group. And always keep the energy high—celebrate small successes and encourage effort over perfection.

In the next lecture, we’ll go over Serving Drills. See you there!

Lecture 11: Underhand Serving Drills

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’ll be working on one of the most basic beginner skills in volleyball—underhand serving.

For young players just starting out, the underhand serve is the perfect place to build confidence, strength, and technique. Today, I’ll guide you through several engaging drills that teach proper mechanics and make serving fun and productive.

Let’s break down the basics first.

Start in a balanced stance: non-dominant foot forward. Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, low and steady.

Use your dominant hand to swing in a pendulum motion. Make contact with either your forearm or fist just below the center of the ball. Aim to follow through toward your target.

Now, let’s jump into the drills.

Drill 1: Wall Serve Practice

Players stand a short distance from a wall and practice the underhand serving motion, trying to hit a taped target zone.

Focus on Swing mechanics, consistent ball contact.

Drill 2: Partner Catch Serve

Players pair up and stand 10–15 feet apart. One serves underhand, the other catches then serves the ball back.

Focus on Controlled serving power, aim, and follow-through.

Drill 3: Floor Target Serve

Place floor targets (hoops or cones) on the opposite side of the net or court.

Focus on Aiming for accuracy; introduce scoring for hitting targets.

Drill 4: Serve & Sprint

After serving, players sprint to the net and back to reinforce conditioning and focus.

Focus on Building energy, simulating game speed, and reinforcing muscle memory.

Drill 5: Serve Relay

Divide players into teams. Each player must serve over the net and hit a target before tagging the next teammate.

Focus on Fun, pressure-style game that teaches consistency and teamwork.

Underhand serving doesn’t need to be boring. These drills help kids learn the fundamentals in ways that keep them active and motivated. Encourage each player to serve at their level, cheer on the effort, and remember: accuracy always comes before power.

In our next lecture, we’ll build on serving by exploring Overhand serving drills for beginners.

Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you in the next session!

Lecture 12: Overhand Serving Drills

Welcome back, and great job making it to the overhand serving portion of our course!

Overhand serving is a big step forward in a young player's development. It requires timing, strength, and coordination—but with the right drills and encouragement, it’s a skill all young players can learn to master.

In today’s lesson, I’ll guide you through simple, engaging overhand serving drills designed specifically for beginners. These drills break down the movement into manageable parts and build confidence with repetition and fun.

Let’s start with the basics.

Stand with your non-dominant foot forward.

Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, straight out in front of you.

Toss the ball 2–3 feet high, just in front of your hitting shoulder.

Swing and open your dominant arm back and elbow back.

Step forward and strike the ball with an open hand, aiming for a flat contact.

Remember, the toss is everything. A good toss makes for a good serve.

Drill 1: Toss & Catch.

Players practice tossing the ball straight up and catching it at shoulder height.

Focus on Ball control, consistency in toss height and location.

Coaching Cue: If you can toss it right, you can serve it right.

Drill 2: Serving Zones.

Identify Zones on the opposite side of the net or court. Coach will call out which zone they need to serve to.

Focus on Accuracy and consistency over power.

Drill 3: Net Serve Ladder.

Players must serve over the net 5 times before moving back a few steps and repeating.

Focus on Progression, strength development, confidence.

Tip: Celebrate small wins—especially first successful serves over the net.

Drill 4: Queen/King of the Serve.

Players serve from behind the line. A successful serve keeps them on the "queen/king" side; a miss rotates them out.

Focus on Pressure practice, focus, consistency.

Drill 5: Ace and Replace.

Have 3 girls in Serve Receive on 1 side of the court and the rest of the team serving balls at them 1 at a time.  If any of the servers ACE some one who is passing in serve receive, then they replace them so now they are passing the ball, and the individual who was ACED is now a server until they ACE someone

Overhand serving can be intimidating at first, but it gets easier with focused, fun practice like these drills. As kids improve, remind them it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s how we learn!

Keep practicing, and don’t rush the process. In our next lesson, we’ll work on setting drills to help build all-around fundamental skills.

See you there!

Lecture 13: Individual Setting Drills

Welcome to this lesson on Individual Setting Drills! Setting is a skill that can—and should—be practiced alone. In this session, we’ll focus on individual drills to develop hand strength, control, consistency, and body positioning for better sets.

Why Practice Setting Alone?

Individual drills help young players build muscle memory without the pressure of teammates or live play. Whether you're at home, in the gym, or outside, these setting drills will give players the confidence and consistency they need when it’s game time.

Key Concepts to Remember

Keep your hands high and ready

Use your legs and arms together to push the ball

Aim for clean contact and minimal spin

Keep your eyes on the ball and follow through upward

Drill 1 Self-Set Challenge.

Toss the ball and have them set it straight up to themselves repeatedly.

Focus on keeping their feet under the ball.

Try to reach 10–20 sets without moving too much.

Great for control and form.

Drill 2 Walking Self-Set.

Toss the ball and set it straight up to yourself repeatedly while walking in a straight line to the other side of the court.  Have them also try walking backward, sideways, skip, front set to back set, and such things as low set to high set.

Focus on keeping their feet under the ball.

Try to reach 10–20 sets without moving too much.

Great for control and form.

Drill 3 Seated Setting.

Sit cross-legged and set the ball straight up.

Forces the arms and hands to do all the work.

Builds finger control and upper-body strength.

Challenge them and have them Try 15 in a row without moving their body.

Drill 4 Wall Target Drill.

Try to set the ball into the target repeatedly against a wall.

Focus on consistency and accuracy, as well as rocking back in forth with their right foot in front.

Make it a game by counting how many you get in a row.

Drill 5 Setting footwork (No Ball).

Practice your hand shape and footwork. Work on Such foot work as the perfect set which is a 2-step, and the 4-step which is off the net.

Visual feedback helps young players correct form.

Do 10–20 reps of each footwork and do it slow and controlled.

Always start with proper hand shape.

Emphasize footwork: don’t set off your heels.

Keep it fun—use challenges and timed drills.

Praise progress, not just perfection.

With just a ball and a little space, players can make big improvements in their setting skills. The drills in this session focus on developing rhythm, hand control, and confidence—core ingredients for a strong setter.

Next up, we’ll explore Partner Setting Drills to help apply what you’ve practiced alone into a team setting. See you in the next lecture!

Lecture 14: Partner Setting Drills

Welcome back! In this lesson, we're going to focus on Partner Setting Drills—a fun and essential way to build teamwork, improve setting accuracy, and develop communication on the court. These drills help young athletes get a feel for live setting with another player, which is key to real-game play.

Why Partner Setting?

Setting to a partner improves spatial awareness, timing, and communication. It also teaches young players how to adjust to different passes and targets, just like in a real game.

Drill 1 Basic Partner Set.

Players stand 8–10 feet apart and set back and forth.

Focus on consistent hand shape, follow-through, and height.

Encourage eye contact and calling "Mine" before setting.

Drill 2 Moving Partner Sets.

One player moves side to side while the other stays still.

The stationary partner adjusts to set while the other moves.

Switch roles every minute to build movement and setting control.

Drill 3 Jump Set Practice.

Partners practice jump setting to each other.

Focus on timing the jump and setting at the peak.

Helps train game-like motion for front-row setters.

Drill 4 Triangle Setting Drill.

Three players form a triangle. Have 2 balls, and 1 player tosses, 1 sets, and the 3rd is the target. Work on footwork, squaring up to the pin, calling the ball, and finishing as they set.

Encourages directional setting and quick reaction.

Drill 5 Bump-Set Combo Drill.

One partner bumps, the other sets.

Helps players adjust to different incoming ball speeds.

Develops versatility and communication.

Drill 6 Short-Long Setting Drill.

Alternate between short and long-distance sets.

Practice adjusting force and arc.

Builds control and decision-making skills.

Remind players to stay light on their feet and ready to move.

Consistency matters more than speed.

Praise effort and correct form over perfection.

Use a timer or point challenge to make it engaging!

Partner setting drills make practices more interactive and help players grow as teammates. They learn not only to control their own actions, but to adapt to others—an essential skill in volleyball.

In the next lecture, we’ll bring these skills together with Target Setting and Team Drills to get athletes more game-ready. See you there!

Lecture 15: Target Setting and Team Drills

Welcome back! In this lecture, we’re focusing on Target Setting and Team Drills—the key to building accuracy, teamwork, and real-game setting confidence for youth players.

We’ve already learned the basics of setting form and partner drills. Now it’s time to turn up the intensity and introduce targets and team-focused challenges that simulate game-like scenarios.

Why Target Setting Matters ?

When players practice with specific targets, they’re forced to think about placement, not just getting the ball in the air. This builds precision and makes setters more effective during rallies.

Let’s get into some fun and engaging drills you can use right away with your team!

Drill 1 Hoop Targets

Place hula hoops or cones in target areas (like left front, right front, and middle front).

Players aim their sets into these zones.

Great for teaching zone awareness.

Drill 2 Setting to Hitter Approach Drill

Have a setter set to a teammate working on their hitting approach.  The hitter will do a 3-step approach and catch the ball.

The setter must adjust in real-time and still aim for the ideal hitting window.

Promotes adaptability and have to make it more difficult, have the setters set 5 feet off the net.

Drill 3 Setting Relay Race

Divide into teams. Each player must walk and set the ball to the line and back then set to the next teammate.

First team to finish wins!

Adds energy and reinforces communication.

Drill 4 Game Situation Set Drill

Passers feed balls to setters, who then must set to specific targets based on coach’s call (“Outside!”, “Middle!”, “Back!”). Have targets, or hitters working on their approaches. Eventually the hitters can work on making contact with the ball.

Trains reaction and decision-making.

Drill 5 Set and Cover

Have a tosser or coach toss the ball to the setter.  The setter will set it either forward or back. After setting, the player must quickly move into a cover position.

Adds movement and teaches responsibility after the set.

Encourage players to call out targets loud and clear.

Keep targets visible and measurable—kids love feedback!

Always emphasize footwork and body positioning before setting.

Praise consistent form more than just the end result.

Target setting and team drills transform ordinary setters into accurate and game-ready players. These exercises teach young athletes to focus under pressure, communicate, and set with a purpose.

In our next lecture, we’ll begin focusing on Hitting and Attacking Basics. Thanks for being here, and keep coaching with energy!

Lecture 16: Hitting Drills for Beginners

Welcome to this session on Hitting Drills for Beginners!

Hitting, or spiking, is one of the most exciting skills in volleyball—and it's also one of the hardest for beginners to master. In this lecture, we’ll break it down step by step and walk through fun, beginner-friendly drills that will help young players build confidence and good habits from the very start.

What are the hitting arm positions?

Position 1: The Load Position

The hitter bends slightly at the waist with their arms pulled back behind the body, elbows bent, and palms facing upward. This is the “ready-to-swing” position and begins the hitting motion by engaging the core and shoulder muscles.

Position 2: The Elbow-Up Position

As the hitter begins to swing, the elbow of the hitting arm comes up and back behind the head while the non-hitting arm points up to help with aim and balance. The palm of the hitting hand starts to turn downward.

Position 3: The Contact & Follow-Through

At the peak of the jump, the hitter extends the arm and snaps the wrist to contact the ball at the highest point. The follow-through moves the arm down across the body or to the side, depending on the angle of the hit.

Drill 1: Arm Swings

Players stand and practice their arm swing motion without a ball. Work on your hitting positions.

Emphasize reaching high and throwing the hand with a loose wrist.

Focus on form—not power.

Drill 2: 3-Step Approach Walk-Through

For right-handed players: Start with your Right foot in front then step Left–Right-Left.

Start slowly and practice just the steps with no ball.

Left-handed players reverse it.

Drill 3: Frame and Attack

Have a coach toss a ball to a line of attackers who move their feet in arm position 2 and frame to the ball while keeping it slighting in front.  Have the attackers hit the ball under the net while working on making contact and finishing to position 3.

Drill 4: Step & Swing Combo

Players combine the approach with an arm swing—no jump yet. Start with a 2-step approach to make it easier, then move on to the 3-step and 4-step approaches.

Helps build muscle memory and rhythm.

Drill 5: Jump & Reach Drill

Using a soft toss or a coach toss, kids perform their 3-step approach, jump, and reach and catch the ball at the highest point.

Focus on timing and upward motion.

Drill 6: Toss and Hit

Coach gently tosses a ball in front of the player.

Player performs the approach and hits the ball over the net (or into a target area).

Use lighter balls if needed.

Drill 7: Spot Smash Drill

Place targets on the ground.

Players try to hit the ball downward or into the designated zone.

Reinforces directional control and aim.

Focus on footwork and timing before power.

Use lighter balls (like volley-lites or beach balls) for young players.

Keep cues simple: “High reach,” “Fast arms,” “Eyes on the ball.”

Praise progress, not just perfect hits.

Hitting is all about rhythm, timing, and confidence. The drills we practiced today build those skills from the ground up and make the process fun and accessible for youth players. Keep sessions upbeat and let kids enjoy the process—because when hitting clicks, it becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the game.

In our next lesson, we’ll dive into Hitting without a NET. See you there!

Lecture 17: Hitting Without a Net (At-Home Drills)

Welcome to this lesson on Hitting Without a Net—a set of creative at-home drills that help players build strong hitting mechanics, even when they don’t have access to a full gym or net.

You don’t need a court to become a better hitter. With just a little space and a volleyball, young players can develop their arm swing, timing, footwork, and even aim right from their driveway or living room. Let’s jump in!

Drill 1: 3-Step Approach.

Practice the right-left-right (or left-right-left) approach.

Use tape on the floor to simulate your start point and hitting zone.

Focus on balance and rhythm, even without jumping.

Drill 2: Approach + Swing Shadow Drill.

Add the arm swing motion after your footwork.

No ball needed—just go through the full motion slowly and with control.

Repeat for 10–20 reps to build muscle memory.

Drill 3: Wall Arm Swings.

Stand a few feet from a wall and swing your hitting arm as if contacting a ball.

The goal is to get used to a full reach, wrist snap, and proper motion.

Drill 4: Toss to Self Swing.

Toss a volleyball straight up with your non-hitting hand and perform a full swing in the air.

Swing with control and timing with a toss.

Great for hand-eye coordination!

Drill 5: Wall Attack Drill.

Toss the ball lightly to yourself and hit it toward a wall using a controlled spike.

Try to hit a marked spot or taped target on the wall.

Start with low power and build consistency.

Drill 6: Downward Hits to Floor Target.

Stand over a towel or small mat and try to spike the ball downward onto the target.

This simulates a downward attack, throwing your hand and wrist, and encourages hand control and snap.

Drill 7: Arm Speed Swings.

Swing fast and quick through the hitting motion while standing still, counting how many reps you can do in 30 seconds with good form. It's not about swinging hard, it's about the speed of the swing.

This builds shoulder stamina and arm speed.

Remember, great hitters aren’t just built in the gym—they’re built through consistent reps, focused form, and a love for improvement. Even without a net, these drills will help young players master the fundamentals of hitting and bring confidence to the court.

In our next lecture, we’ll be talking about Team Attacking Drills.

See you there, and happy hitting!

Lecture 18: Team Attacking Drills

"Welcome back to our course, Youth Volleyball Drills for Beginners. In this lecture, we're going to dive into team attacking drills — a fun and essential part of practice that brings together all the individual skills you've learned so far. These drills help young players learn to hit effectively as a team, improve timing, communication, and offensive coordination."

Drill 1: Continuous Hitting Line Drill.

One setter, multiple attackers rotate in. After each attack, players move to the back of the line.

Keep attacks flowing with quick transitions.

Focus on Rhythm, communication, and hustle between plays.

Drill 2: 3-Hitter Rotation Drill.

Three hitters rotate between left, middle, and right front. A coach or teammate tosses or sets balls to each hitting position.

Practice timing, footwork, and arm swing from all three front-row spots.

Focus on Footwork into attack position, communication with setter, and clean transitions.

Drill 3: Block & Transition to Attack.

Set up blockers at the net. After blocking a ball, players immediately transition back and prepare for an attack.

Simulate real-game defensive recovery into an attack.

Focus on Quick footwork, balance, and aggressive hitting after movement.

Drill 4: Pass to Attack Drill.

Have a line of hitters in Zone 5, a setter at the net and a tosser on the other side of the court.  Have the tosser toss a ball for the hitter, who will pass the ball to the setter and transition out so they can attack off the set from the setter.   

Drill 5: Read & React Attack Drill.

Coach calls a zone mid-play (e.g., "Zone 4"), and the hitter must adjust their approach and hit in that direction.

Build decision-making and adaptability.

Focus on Court awareness, shot selection, and mental agility.

"These team attacking drills are not only fun but also critical in helping kids understand how their individual efforts fit into the team offense. Keep the energy high, rotate players through different positions, and celebrate effort and improvement — not just perfect execution."

"Thanks for watching! In the next lesson, we'll focus on Team Play & Game-Like Drills. See you there!"

Title: Basic Rotations & Positioning (How to Set Up a Team for Success)

Lecture MINUTES:

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"Welcome back, coaches! In this lesson, we’re going to break down basic volleyball rotations and positioning—key concepts that will set your team up for success. Understanding how to place your players on the court ensures smooth transitions, better communication, and more effective gameplay. Let’s dive in!"

SECTION 1: Understanding Volleyball Rotations

"Volleyball uses a 6-player rotation system, and there are six zones on the court, numbered from 1 to 6, starting from the back-right corner (Zone 1) where the server stands. Each time the team wins in serve receive, players must rotate clockwise.

The rotation order is critical because:

-It ensures every player takes turns in each position.

-It follows official rules to avoid rotational violations.

-It allows for strategic placement of players based on strengths."

"As a coach, you should teach your players to recognize their rotations, where they should move after serving or receiving, and how to transition smoothly into their base positions."

[SECTION 2: Player Positioning in Serve Receive]

"Now, let’s talk about serve-receive formations in Rotation 1. The most common formations for beginners are:

The 'W' Formation (ideal for new teams). In this formation the team lines up in a W on the court and communicates the seams.

The '3-Passers' Formation (used for better ball control) is more popular. 

"In these formations, the front-row players stay near the net, while the back-row players cover more ground to pass the serve effectively. Middle blockers and outside hitters need to adjust quickly after the pass to transition into their attacking positions."

Here are some serve receive formations for Rotation 2 and Rotation 3:

Now here are some typical Team Serving formations in rotation 1-3 when a team has serve.

In volleyball, before the serve, players must maintain their rotational positions with player positioned behind, in front, and on their sides staying in their respective zones, ensuring they are not illegally ahead, behind, or overlapping adjacent teammates until the ball is served.

[SECTION 3: Transitioning from Defense to Offense]

"One of the biggest challenges for beginners is moving quickly from defense to offense. Here’s how you can teach this effectively:

After passing a serve, the back-row players should move to their defensive base positions.

The setter should move near the right-side of the net (Zone 2) to be ready to set the ball.

Hitters and blockers should adjust quickly to prepare for the attack."

(Visual: Players shifting on the court in real-time or animation.)

"A great drill to reinforce this is the 'Pass & Transition Drill', where players pass a served ball and immediately move to their offensive positions. Run this drill multiple times to help players develop muscle memory."

[SECTION 4: Defensive Positioning & Blocking]

"Defense wins games, and positioning is everything. The two most common defensive systems are:

Perimeter Defense (positions defenders near the court’s boundaries to cover deep attacks, relying on quick reactions to pick up tips and shots toward the middle.)

Rotation Defense (shifts players dynamically, with the right-back defender moving up for tips while the other defenders rotate to cover the hard-driven attack, ensuring strategic court coverage.)

Here are some examples of both defense against an OH and RH.

(Visual: Diagrams of each defensive setup.)

"Teach your team where to position themselves based on the opponent’s attack. Libero and defensive specialists should cover the deep court, while blockers must read the setter and adjust to the hitter’s approach."

[SECTION 5: Common Rotation Mistakes & How to Fix Them]

"New teams often struggle with rotational violations and misalignment. Here are some common mistakes and quick fixes:

Out of rotation: Players stepping out of order before the serve. Fix it by practicing rotation drills regularly.

Overlap issues: Back-row and front-row players must stay in the correct relative positions before the serve. Use visual guides to help them understand.

Slow transitions: Players forgetting to move to their base positions. Fix it by running speed transition drills."

[CONCLUSION]

"Rotations and positioning may seem complex at first, but with consistent practice, your team will learn how to move fluidly and play as a cohesive unit. Remember:

Teach players where to stand and where to move.

Use visual aids like diagrams and court markings.

Reinforce transitions with game-speed drills.

Keep practicing, and your team will be set up for success! In the next lesson, we’ll cover Offensive & Defensive Strategies to take your coaching to the next level. See you there!"

Lecture 20: 1v1 and 2v2 Mini Games

"Hey coaches and parents — welcome back! In this lecture, we're diving into 1v1 and 2v2 mini games, which are excellent for young players. These games make learning volleyball fun and competitive while reinforcing the skills they've been practicing — like passing, movement, and communication."

Game 1: 1v1 Mini Court Game.

Shrink the court using cones or tape. Use only half or a quarter of the volleyball court.

Each player serves, receives, and returns the ball over the net.

Encourage all-around skills — serving, passing, and attacking.

Coaching Tip: Allow one bounce for beginners if needed.

Game 2: 2v2 Cooperative Rally.

Two players on each side. Focus on keeping the ball in play.

Count how many successful volleys or passes happen in a row.

Promote teamwork and controlled play.

Variation: Add a target zone to aim for.

Game 3: 2v2 Target Zones.

Mark target zones in the corners of the court.

Players aim their attacks or passes into target zones to score points.

Improve accuracy and ball placement.

Game 4: Queen of the Court .

Winners stay on, challengers rotate in.

Quick rallies where winners earn points by winning the rally.

Builds confidence and competitiveness.

Game 5: Balloon Rally.

Use a balloon instead of a volleyball.

Great for very young beginners or warm-up games.

Teach tracking and gentle touch.

Game 6: Mini Game Tournament Day.

Rotate teams in a round-robin format.

Use multiple short games to determine a fun mini champion.

Celebrate improvement and team spirit.

"Mini games are the perfect way to end practice or break up drills with some excitement. They keep players smiling while still reinforcing the core fundamentals of volleyball. Start with 1v1, move to 2v2, and watch your players grow confident and competitive in the best way possible!"

"Coming up next, we’ll talk about teaching Cooperative Team Drills. See you in the next lesson!"

Lecture 21: Cooperative Team Drills

"Welcome back, coaches and parents! In this lesson, we’re focusing on Cooperative Team Drills, which are perfect for young beginners. These drills are designed to help your players work together, build communication skills, and support each other on the court — all while reinforcing good volleyball fundamentals."

Drill 1: 3-Person Pass & Catch Circle

Three players form a triangle.

Pass the ball around the triangle using bump passes.

Keep the ball moving without letting it drop.

Coaching Tip: Encourage calling for the ball and moving to the right spot.

Drill 2: Base to Defense Group Drill

Line up three players in base positions.

Coach tosses a ball anywhere on the court. Players call it, move to it, and pass back to the coach.

Teamwork and proper transition from base to defense.

Drill 3: Dig Set Drill

Line up three players in base positions. Have all 3 drop back and the coach will hit a ball at one of the them in which the player will dig the ball to the middle of the court.  The player on their right will set the ball to either a target or back to coach, then they will all go back to base.  Do about 6 digs and switch.

Drill 4: Target Passing as a Team

Players must pass to a target from serve receive positions.

Take turns serving to each other and passing accurately to target.

Reinforces passing under pressure with team accountability.

Drill 5: Partner Rally Challenge

Teams of 2 pass and set back and forth across the net.

Try to achieve the longest rally.

Variation: Add goals like passing to a target area or adding a light jump attack.

Drill 6: Serve-Receive Rotations

6 players receive, rotate after 10 serves.

Coach or teammate serves, and the group works together to pass the ball to the setter at the net. This helps players to learn about serve receive rotations and how to transition out of them.

Drill 7: Team Goal Challenge

Team must complete 10 three-touch rallies in a row (pass, set, hit).

Reset the count if it drops before 3 touches.

Build collective focus and responsibility.

"Cooperative drills are not just fun — they’re a foundation for learning how to be a good teammate. They build trust, improve volleyball IQ, and prepare players for real match situations without pressure. Try mixing these drills into every practice and watch your team grow stronger — together."

"Next, we’ll explore Team Drills. See you there!"

Lecture 22: Team Drills

Welcome back, everyone!

In this lecture, we're going to dive into Team Drills — an exciting and essential part of beginner volleyball training. These drills build teamwork, communication, and on-court chemistry. Remember, volleyball is a team sport, and learning how to work together is just as important as learning how to pass or serve.

Let’s jump into a few simple but effective team drills to use in your practices!

Drill 1 Triangle Team Pepper.

This is an expanded version of partner pepper. Three lines on the court. One player in the back line starts with a pass to the next line, who sets to the next, who hits back at the passer in the passing line, and it continues around. This helps with rhythm, communication, and teamwork. Keep the ball alive as long as possible.

Drill 2 Serve receive Pepper.

Form a line behind the server and follow the ball. One player serves a ball, to the person who passes the ball, to the person who sets the ball to the target who takes the ball to the end of the line to become a server. Focus on talking and moving quickly.

Drill 3: 3 vs 3 Scramble.

Set up two teams of 3 players each. Play out a full rally using only 3 players per side. Losing side switches out and another 3 come on the court.  Winning side stays until they lose. This challenges communication and forces players to move and cover more ground, reinforcing team dynamics.

Drill 4 Controlled Rally.

One side starts with a controlled serve, the other team must pass, set, and hit. Play continues but only with three-touch volleyball (pass, set, hit). Great for reinforcing technique and teamwork under game-like conditions.

Drill 5 Team Passing Chain.

Players form two lines across from each other. One passes to the next and follows their pass to the end of the opposite line. The ball keeps moving, and so do the players. It reinforces consistency, timing, and movement in a team rhythm.

Drill 6 Free Ball Drill.

Place 6 players on both sides of the net and have the coach throw a free ball to either side of the net.  Teams play the ball out as a normal game working on 3 contacts each side if at all possible. 

These team drills are fun, easy to set up, and highly effective at building team unity, court awareness, and game readiness.

Praise effort, encourage communication, and focus on building a positive team environment.

In the next lecture, we’ll focus on Cooldown Games and Stretching.

Thanks for watching and see you in the next video!

Lecture 23: Fun Cooldown Games and Stretching

Hi everyone, and welcome back!

After an active and fun volleyball practice, it’s important to end on a positive note with a proper cooldown routine. In this lecture, we’ll go over some fun cooldown games and stretches designed for young players.

Cooling down helps players relax, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury — and when you make it fun, kids are more likely to stay engaged until the very end of practice.

Game 1. Freeze Volleyball.

Players pass a ball back and forth. When the coach calls “Freeze!”, everyone freezes in place. Then continue. This keeps them focused, moving lightly, and laughing.

Game 2. Game to 10.

Place 6 players on each side of the net and play an easy game to 10. Make it fun and work on some of the topics that you covered in practice.

Now let’s cover some essential static stretches that help young athletes recover:

Stretch 1. Hamstring Stretch.

Sit on the floor with legs straight. Reach toward toes and hold for 15–20 seconds. This helps loosen the back and legs.

Stretch 2. Quad Stretch.

Sit on the ground.  Bend at the knee and place 1 leg at a time under, and hold. Switch legs after 15 seconds. A great stretch for front thigh muscles used in jumping.

Stretch 3. Arm Swings.

Stand up and extend both arms to your side. Now circle 1 clockwise for 10 seconds then counter clockwise.  Do this 3 times through to help stretch and loosen those shoulders.

Stretch 4. Neck Rolls and Deep Breaths.

Roll the neck slowly in a circle, both directions. Then take 3–5 deep belly breaths. This signals the body it’s time to rest and recover.

Encourage players to focus on slow breathing during stretches. Make it a peaceful moment to end the day. If you can, play calming music in the background or talk them through each stretch.

Ending practice with fun cooldown games and stretching routines helps kids feel good, stay healthy, and leave practice with a smile.

In our next lesson, we’ll talk about Building Confidence & Encouragement.

Thanks for watching, and keep up the great work, coach!

Lecture 24: Building Confidence & Encouragement

Hi coaches and parents — welcome back!

In this lecture, we're focusing on something just as important as skill development: helping young players build confidence and feel encouraged throughout their volleyball journey.

Why Confidence Matters?

Confidence allows kids to take risks, try new skills, and stay resilient when they make mistakes — which they will, because that’s how they learn. A confident player is more engaged, coachable, and willing to grow.

But confidence isn’t automatic. It’s something we, as coaches and mentors, help them develop — one drill, one practice, and one encouraging word at a time.

How to Build Confidence During Practice?

Here are some simple, practical strategies you can use every day:

1. Celebrate Effort Over Outcome.

Instead of just praising perfect serves or hits, call out effort:

“I love how you stayed focused even after missing that pass.”

“Great hustle on that play!”

This teaches kids that trying hard is what really matters — and that effort leads to improvement.

2. Use Their Name Often.

Hearing their name in a positive way — “Nice pass, Ava!” or “Good positioning, Jordan!” — makes them feel seen, valued, and motivated.

3. Set Achievable Goals.

Create small, attainable goals like “5 in-a-row passes” or “successful underhand serve over the net.” When they hit those goals, confidence naturally grows.

4. Allow Room for Mistakes.

Make it clear that mistakes are okay. In fact, they’re expected. If a player makes an error, respond with:

“That’s okay, that’s how we learn.”

“You’re getting closer! Keep going!”

5. Use Peer Encouragement

Encourage teammates to cheer each other on. A simple “nice try” from a teammate can go a long way for a shy or hesitant player.

Here are a few go-to encouragement lines to use regularly:

“That’s the kind of effort I love to see.”

“You’re improving every single practice.”

“You were brave to try that.”

“You bounced back really well from that mistake.”

Confidence Drill: “Highlight Huddle”

At the end of practice, gather the players and ask:

“Who wants to share one thing they were proud of today?”

“Who noticed a teammate doing something awesome?”

This helps kids reflect on what went well and teaches them to support others.

Confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s nurtured by kind words, goal setting, and creating a safe space to learn and grow.

By prioritizing encouragement and modeling a positive attitude, you’re not just teaching volleyball — you’re building life skills that stick with kids far beyond the court.

Thanks for watching, and let’s keep lifting these young athletes up!

Lecture 27: Final Thoughts & Certificate of Completion

Hi everyone — and congratulations!

You've reached the final lecture in our course, Youth Volleyball Drills for Beginners, and I want to take a moment to say thank you for joining me on this journey.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or new player, you’ve now got a toolkit full of age-appropriate drills, warm-ups, cool-downs, and teaching strategies — all designed to make volleyball fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate for young beginners.

Over the course of this training, we’ve covered:

How to teach fundamental volleyball skills like passing, serving, setting, and hitting.

A vaiety of fun drills that help kids build confidence and coordination.

Techniques for teaching footwork, movement, and court positioning.

Games and activities that promote teamwork and communication.

Coaching tips for encouraging and motivating young players.

Now that you’ve finished the course:

Revisit your favorite lectures and rewatch key demos.

Download any PDF practice plans or drill guides included.

Start planning your first practice using the sample layouts provided.

And most importantly — get out on the court and try these drills!

Remember, your energy and attitude set the tone. Keep it positive, keep it simple, and meet your players where they are.

Coaching beginners is about more than skill development — it’s about building relationships, encouraging growth, and helping kids fall in love with the game.

Even if you only have a few drills or a short practice window — when you show up with excitement and a willingness to grow, kids will too.

Thank you for your time, effort, and commitment to teaching youth volleyball the right way. I’m proud of you — and I know your players will be, too.

See you on the court!