The Best Volleyball Drills to Improve Your Skills on the Court

March 27, 2023

Volleyball is a thrilling, fast-paced sport that requires a combination of skill, teamwork, and athleticism. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, the right drills can make all the difference. 

In this article, we will explore some of the best volleyball drills that can help improve your skills on the court. These drills are designed to be fun, engaging, and most importantly, effective in honing your abilities. So let's dive in and learn how to elevate your game!

Interested in finding volleyball pick up games or training sessions in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area? Check out the Javelin App today and explore a wide array of volleyball games and tournaments for all skill levels or check out our training sessions to get live insight into volleyball best practices for beginner and novice players. 

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The Pepper Drill

The Pepper Drill helps players to improve their ball control by practicing the fundamental skills of passing, setting, and hitting. By repeating these skills frequently, players can develop muscle memory and improve their ability to control the ball more effectively. The Pepper Drill requires players to practice all three fundamental skills of volleyball - passing, setting, and hitting. By practicing each of these skills equally, players can become more versatile players, able to perform different roles on the court effectively. 

To perform the Pepper Drill:

a. Pair up with a partner, standing about 10-15 feet apart. 

b. Player A passes the ball to Player B, who then sets it back to Player A. 

c. Player A spikes the ball to Player B, who digs it and passes it back to Player A. 

d. Repeat this sequence, aiming for smooth, continuous play.

Make sure to switch roles frequently to ensure that both players get equal practice in each position. It’s also important to warm up before you start practicing in order to avoid injury, we recommend stretching or yoga!

Overall, the Pepper Drill is an excellent training tool that can help volleyball players improve their ball control, communication skills, versatility, and overall performance on the court. By incorporating this drill into their training routine, players can develop the skills they need to become better players and more effective as a team.

Wall Setting Drill

The Wall Setting Drill helps players to develop muscle memory by providing them with ample opportunities to practice their setting technique. By repeatedly practicing this skill, players can develop the muscle memory needed to execute the perfect set in a game situation. The drill also helps players to improve their touch on the ball, which is essential for performing accurate and consistent sets. By focusing on maintaining a consistent, controlled touch while setting the ball against the wall, players can improve their ability to control the ball and set it accurately for their teammates.

To perform the Wall Setting Drill:

a. Stand facing a wall, about 5-7 feet away. 

b. Set the ball against the wall, aiming for a consistent height and distance from the wall. 

c. Continue to set the ball, focusing on maintaining proper hand position and a consistent, controlled touch.

Try setting the ball for 2-3 minutes straight, then take a break and repeat. As you improve, challenge yourself by increasing the duration of the drill, not only will this help with your skills, but it’s also a great endurance workout. Be sure to energize before you practice by following our guideline here: What to eat before and after a volleyball game  

Overall, the Wall Setting Drill is an excellent training tool that can help volleyball players improve their setting skills, hand positioning, touch on the ball, and endurance. By incorporating this drill into their training routine, players can develop the skills they need to become better setters and more effective overall on the court.

Pass and Move Drill

The Pass and Move Drill emphasizes footwork, communication, and passing accuracy. This drill is excellent for reinforcing proper passing techniques and improving court awareness.

To perform the Pass and Move Drill:

a. Form two lines of players on opposite sides of the court. 

b. Player A passes the ball to Player B on the other side of the court. 

c. After passing the ball, Player A moves to the back of the line on the opposite side. 

d. Player B receives the pass, then passes the ball to the next player in line on the other side and moves to the back of that line.

By repeating this drill regularly, players can hone their passing skills and develop the muscle memory needed to execute the set in a volleyball game situation.The drill requires players to constantly scan the court to identify their teammates' positions and movements. This helps them develop court awareness, which is essential for playing pick up volleyball effectively. With better court awareness, players can anticipate their teammates' movements and make quicker and more accurate plays. To successfully execute this drill, players need to communicate with each other to ensure that they are in the right position to receive the pass. This helps players develop their communication skills, which are essential for playing team volleyball effectively.

Are you interested in finding pick up volleyball games or training in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area? Look no further than the Javelin App on the App Store or Google Play! Our awesome app offers a smorgasbord of volleyball pick up games and training sessions for players of all levels. 

Blocking Drill

The Blocking Drill is designed to improve your blocking technique, timing, and vertical jump. This drill helps players to develop a better sense of when and how to block effectively. This drill helps players to reinforce proper blocking techniques such as correct hand positioning, arm swing, and timing. By repeating this drill regularly, players can hone their blocking skills and develop the muscle memory needed to execute the perfect block in a game situation. The drill also requires players to focus on the timing of their jump to maximize their chances of a successful block.

To perform the Blocking Drill:

a. Have a coach or teammate toss balls from the opposite side of the net. 

b. As the ball is tossed, jump and extend your arms, aiming to block the ball back into the tosser's court. 

c. Focus on proper hand positioning and timing your jump to maximize your chances of a successful block.

By repeatedly practicing blocking drills, players can develop a better sense of when to jump and how to position their bodies for an effective block. Overall, the Blocking Drill is an essential training tool that can help volleyball players improve their blocking technique, timing, and vertical jump. By incorporating this drill into their training routine, players can develop the skills they need to become better blockers and more effective players on the court.

Serve and Receive Drill

The Serve and Receive Drill is a great way to work on both serving and receiving skills in a game-like scenario. This drill helps players to develop their serve accuracy and consistency, as well as their ability to read and react to incoming serves.

To perform the Serve and Receive Drill:

a. Divide your team into two groups, with one group on each side of the court. 

b. Players take turns serving the ball to the opposing side. 

c. The receiving side works on properly passing the serve to the setter. 

d. After each service, the server rotates out, and a new server steps in. 

e. Continue this rotation, with each player getting multiple opportunities to serve and receive.

The Serve and Receive Drill helps players to develop their serve accuracy and consistency by providing them with ample opportunities to practice their serving technique in a game-like scenario. By repeatedly practicing  serves, players can develop muscle memory and improve their ability to serve accurately and consistently. This drill requires players on the receiving side to read and react to incoming serves effectively. Overall, the Serve and Receive Drill is an excellent training tool that can help volleyball players improve their serving and receiving skills. By incorporating this drill into their training routine, players can develop the skills they need to become better servers, passers, and overall more effective players on the court.

Dig and Sprint Drill

The Dig and Sprint Drill helps players to improve their defensive skills by providing them with ample opportunities to practice digging hard-driven balls. By repeatedly practicing this skill, players can develop their ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball and make the necessary adjustments to dig it effectively. This drill requires players to react quickly to incoming balls. By repeatedly practicing this skill, players can develop their reaction time and become more adept at responding to unexpected situations on the court.

To perform the Dig and Sprint Drill:

a. Form two lines of players at the back of the court, one on each side. 

b. A coach or teammate tosses or spikes a ball toward the first player in line. 

c. The player digs the ball, aiming to pass it to a target at the net. 

d. Immediately after digging the ball, the player sprints to touch the net and then returns to the back of the line. 

e. Repeat this process for each player in the line, alternating sides.

Overall, the Dig and Sprint Drill is an excellent training tool that can help volleyball players improve their defensive skills, reaction time, footwork, and cardiovascular endurance. By incorporating this drill into their training routine, players can develop the skills they need to become better defensive players and more effective overall on the court.

The right drills can make a huge difference in improving your game and taking your skills to the next level. By incorporating the drills outlined in this article into your training routine, you can improve your ball control, communication skills, versatility, and overall performance on the court.

The Pepper Drill, Wall Setting Drill, Pass and Move Drill, Blocking Drill, Serve and Receive Drill, and Dig and Sprint Drill are all excellent training tools that can help volleyball players of all levels improve their skills. These drills can be practiced alone or with a partner, making them accessible to anyone who wants to improve their game.

In addition to practicing these drills, it's important to remember the importance of warm-ups and stretching before beginning any physical activity. Taking care of your body by eating properly, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest is also essential in improving your game and preventing injuries.

If you are interested in finding volleyball pick up games or training sessions in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, check out the Javelin App on the App Store or Google Play. With a wide array of volleyball games and tournaments for all skill levels, you can explore and challenge yourself with new opponents and opportunities.

Looking for an easy way to find pickup volleyball games? Javelin is the easiest way to find volleyball pickups near you!

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