Volleyball is an exhilarating sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and strategy. For beginners, it offers an accessible entry point into team sports with relatively simple basic rules but plenty of room for skill development. I’ll walk you through essential volleyball drills designed specifically for newcomers to the sport. These drills focus on fundamental skills that every volleyball player needs to master: serving, passing, setting, attacking, and basic defensive movements. Whether you’re a coach working with new players, a physical education teacher introducing volleyball to students, or someone picking up the sport for the first time, these drills will help build a solid foundation.

Knowing the Fundamentals First

Before getting to know the specific drills, it’s important to understand what makes for effective practice in volleyball. The sport requires a combination of technical skills, court awareness, and teamwork. For beginners, mastering the basic techniques should take precedence over complex tactical considerations.

The most important skills for volleyball newcomers include:

1. Proper body positioning – Learning how to stand ready, move efficiently, and position for different skills
2. Basic passing techniques – Focusing on the forearm pass (bump) for receiving serves and defensive plays
3. Setting fundamentals – Introducing overhead passing techniques that direct the ball to hitters
4. Serving basics – Starting with underhand serves and progressing to overhead serves
5. Simple attacking movements – Beginning with basic hitting mechanics before adding complexity
6. Elementary defensive movements – Teaching players how to move to the ball effectively

With these core areas in mind, let’s explore drills that address each fundamental skill in volleyball.

Warm-Up Drills to Start Practice

Every volleyball session should begin with proper warm-up activities to prepare the body and mind for practice while reducing injury risk.

Circle Passing

This simple warm-up drill helps players get comfortable handling the ball while moving.

Setup:

• Players form a circle with approximately 6-8 feet between each person
• One or two volleyballs are used depending on group size

Execution:

• Players pass the ball across the circle using proper forearm passing form
• Focus on passing to different players, not just adjacent ones
• As skills improve, add movement like taking one step right after passing

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize creating a solid platform with the forearms
• Encourage calling out names before passing to improve communication
• Remind players to track the ball all the way to their arms

Partner Pepper

This classic volleyball warm-up develops ball control and quick reactions.

Setup:

• Players pair up, standing about 10-15 feet apart
• One volleyball per pair

Execution:

• Partners alternate passing, setting, and attacking the ball to each other
• Begin with controlled passes, then progress to sets and light attacks
• The sequence typically follows: pass, set, hit, defend, repeat

Coaching Tips:

• For true beginners, modify by allowing the ball to bounce once between contacts
• Focus on proper technique rather than speed
• Encourage continuous play rather than perfect execution initially

Serving Drills for Beginners

Serving is often the first individual skill new players learn, as it initiates play and doesn’t require responding to someone else’s actions.

Wall Serving

This drill allows maximum repetitions without chasing balls.

Setup:

• Players stand 15-20 feet from a wall with plenty of space
• Each player has their own volleyball

Execution:

• Practice the serving motion by serving against the wall
• Begin with underhand serves, progressing to overhead serves
• Focus on proper contact point and follow-through

Coaching Tips:

• Mark target areas on the wall with tape
• Demonstrate the differences between underhand and overhead serving techniques
• Ensure proper foot positioning (opposite foot forward from hitting hand)

Serve Zone Targets

This drill teaches accuracy along with basic serving technique.

Setup:

• Divide the opposite court into zones using cones or existing court lines
• Assign point values to different zones (higher points for deeper or more challenging areas)

Execution:

• Each player gets 5-10 serving attempts
• Players aim for high-value zones to accumulate points
• Track scores to create friendly competition

Coaching Tips:

• For beginners, start with larger zones and move to smaller targets as skills improve
• Emphasize consistency before power
• Remind players to visualize the ball’s path before serving

Passing Drills for Proper Technique

Passing (or bumping) forms the foundation of volleyball defense and serve reception. These drills help beginners develop consistent passing technique.

Partner Pass

This fundamental drill builds passing consistency and control.

Setup:

• Players pair up, standing 10-15 feet apart
• One volleyball per pair

Execution:

• One player tosses the ball to their partner, who passes it back
• After 10 successful passes, partners switch roles
• Progress by having the tosser move the passer around (left, right, forward, back)

Coaching Tips:

• Focus on creating a stable platform with the arms
• Emphasize passing from the legs, not swinging the arms
• Watch for proper body alignment toward the target

Three-Person Passing Line

This drill introduces movement and directional passing.

Setup:

• Three players form a line with 8-10 feet between them
• Middle player faces one end player who has the ball

Execution:

• End player tosses to the middle player, who passes to the other end player
• Middle player then turns to receive a toss from the opposite side
• Continue the pattern, forcing the middle player to reset position each time

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize quick repositioning between passes
• Encourage communication between players
• Focus on passing accuracy to a specific target rather than just getting the ball up

Setting Drills for Ball Control

Setting requires different hand positioning and contact points than passing. These drills help beginners understand the unique aspects of setting.

Wall Sets

This drill maximizes repetitions for developing proper hand position and control.

Setup:

• Players stand 3-5 feet from a wall
• Each player has their own volleyball

Execution:

• Players set the ball against the wall continuously
• Focus on proper hand shape (triangle formation above forehead)
• Count consecutive successful sets as a personal challenge

Coaching Tips:

• Check for proper hand positioning before starting
• Watch that players contact the ball with fingertips, not palms
• Encourage consistent height on sets

Setting Circle

This drill helps with accuracy and consistency in multiple directions.

Setup:

• 4-6 players form a circle, standing 8-10 feet apart
• One player in the center with the volleyball

Execution:

• Center player tosses to each circle player, who sets back to center
• After going around once, switch center players
• Progress by having the center player set rather than toss

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize accurate returns to the center player
• Watch for consistent set height and arc
• Encourage players to call for the ball before setting

Attacking Drills for Beginners

While advanced hitting involves complex approaches and timing, beginners should focus on proper arm swing mechanics and basic footwork.

Standing Arm Swing

This drill isolates the hitting motion without the complexity of approach steps.

Setup:

• Players line up along the net, each with a ball
• No approach steps needed initially

Execution:

• Players toss the ball slightly forward with their non-hitting hand
• Practice proper arm swing mechanics (elbow high, contact above head)
• Focus on wrist snap and follow-through

Coaching Tips:

• Watch for full extension at contact point
• Emphasize hitting with open hand, fingers spread
• Check that players are making contact at the highest possible point

Three-Step Approach

This drill introduces basic footwork for attacking.

Setup:

• Players line up about 10 feet from the net
• Coach or partner holds ball above the net (or use a suspended ball)

Execution:

• Practice the three-step approach: right-left-right (for right-handed hitters)
• Focus on converting horizontal momentum to vertical jump
• Add arm swing once footwork is comfortable

Coaching Tips:

• Ensure players are jumping off both feet simultaneously
• Watch for proper arm drawback during approach
• Emphasize explosive final step

Defensive Movement Drills

Volleyball defense requires quick reactions and efficient movement patterns. These drills help beginners develop these essential skills.

Shuffle Drill

This drill develops the lateral movement fundamental to volleyball defense.

Setup:

• Place cones in a line about 5 feet apart
• Players line up behind starting cone

Execution:

• Players shuffle laterally between cones
• Focus on maintaining defensive posture (knees bent, weight forward)
• Touch each cone before changing direction

Coaching Tips:

• Watch that feet don’t cross during shuffling
• Emphasize staying low throughout the movement
• Ensure players keep their shoulders square to the “net” (forward direction)

Defense Recovery

This drill teaches players to move to the ball and recover quickly.

Setup:

• Player starts in center of their court area
• Coach positions to toss balls to different areas

Execution:

• Coach tosses balls to various spots, forcing player to move
• Player passes each ball then returns to center position
• Focus on quick recovery after each play

Coaching Tips:

• Start with predictable tosses, then increase difficulty
• Emphasize proper passing form even when moving
• Watch for players maintaining ready position between tosses

Combination Drills for Realistic Practice

Once players have practiced individual skills, combining them creates more game-like situations.

Pass-Set-Hit Sequence

This drill introduces the basic three-hit sequence used in volleyball.

Setup:

• Three players line up in positions 5, 3, and 4
• Coach serves or tosses from opposite side

Execution:

• Back row player passes to setter
• Setter sets to hitter
• Hitter attacks over the net
• Rotate positions after each sequence

Coaching Tips:

• Begin with controlled tosses rather than serves if needed
• Focus on communication between all three players
• Emphasize proper technique for each skill in the sequence

Mini-Games with Modified Rules

Modified games help beginners apply skills in competitive situations without being overwhelmed.

Setup:

• Use smaller court dimensions (half court)
• 2-3 players per side
• Lower net height if appropriate

Execution:

• Allow one bounce between contacts initially if needed
• Require 2-3 hits per side before sending ball over
• Award points for proper technique, not just scoring

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize application of practiced skills over winning
• Pause play to highlight good technique or decision-making
• Gradually remove modifications as players improve

Skill-Building Progression Plan

For consistent development, beginners should follow a structured progression that builds skills systematically over time.

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Focus on proper body positioning and movement
• Introduce basic passing and setting technique
• Practice underhand serves
• Emphasize fun and engagement with the sport

Week 3-4: Skill Development

• Refine passing technique with increased movement
• Develop setting consistency and accuracy
• Introduce basic overhead serving
• Begin simple arm swing mechanics for attacking

Week 5-6: Skill Integration

• Combine skills in sequence (pass-set-hit)
• Introduce basic defensive positioning
• Develop rotational understanding
• Begin modified gameplay with coach assistance

Week 7-8: Gameplay Introduction

• Implement full rotation system
• Practice serve receive formations
• Increase gameplay situations with fewer modifications
• Introduce basic strategic concepts

Common Beginner Mistakes and Corrections

Understanding typical issues beginners face helps coaches and players address problems efficiently. The integrals ones include;

Passing Problems:

• Swinging arms: Remind players that power comes from legs, not arm swing
• Incorrect platform: Demonstrate proper forearm position with elbows extended
• Ball contacting wrists: Adjust arm position to contact mid-forearm

Setting Challenges:

• Ball handling: Practice proper hand shape away from the ball first
• Pushing from chest: Emphasize contact point above forehead
• Double contacts: Work on softer, more controlled finger contact

Serving Difficulties:

• Inconsistent toss: Practice toss-only drills to develop consistency
• Improper contact: Mark contact point on ball or player’s hand
• Lack of follow-through: Exaggerate follow-through motion until it becomes natural

Creating Effective Practice Plans

Structured practices help beginners progress steadily without becoming overwhelmed or bored.

60-Minute Practice Template:

1. Warm-up (10 minutes)
   • Light jogging and dynamic stretching
   • Basic ball handling activities
2. Skill Focus (15 minutes)
   • Concentrate on one primary skill (passing, setting, etc.)
   • Use targeted drills for specific technique development
3. Secondary Skill (15 minutes)
   • Practice complementary skill to the primary focus
   • Apply skills in slightly more complex drills
4. Combination Activity (15 minutes)
   • Integrate multiple skills in game-like situations
   • Modified scrimmages or competitive drills
5. Cool-down and Review (5 minutes)
   • Light stretching
   • Review key learning points
   • Preview next practice focus

Equipment Considerations for Beginners

Using appropriate equipment enhances the learning experience for volleyball newcomers.

Volleyball Selection:

• Lighter volleyballs: Consider using slightly lighter balls for younger beginners
• Softer volleyballs: Training volleyballs with softer covers reduce fear of contact
• Properly inflated: Ensure consistent bounce and response

Court Adaptations:

• Lower net height: Adjust based on player age and physical development
• Modified court size: Smaller courts make coverage easier for beginners
• Visual markers: Use floor tape or cones to indicate positions and zones

Fostering Enjoyment and Continued Participation

Technical development must be balanced with enjoyment to keep beginners engaged with volleyball.

Fun Integration:

• End practices with enjoyable games that apply learned skills
• Create achievement systems to recognize individual improvement
• Incorporate team-building activities into practice sessions

Positive Reinforcement:

• Celebrate successful execution of proper technique, not just results
• Provide specific, technique-focused feedback
• Create opportunities for all players to experience success

Conclusion

Volleyball offers a wonderful combination of individual skill development and team cooperation. For beginners, focusing on fundamental techniques through these progressive drills builds confidence and competence. Remember that patience is essential—proper technique takes time to develop, but establishing these core skills correctly from the start prevents having to correct bad habits later.

By implementing a structured approach to volleyball training for beginners, coaches and players can ensure steady progress while maintaining enthusiasm for the sport. The drills outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive foundation that can be adapted based on player age, physical ability, and available facilities.

Most importantly, volleyball should be fun! Even while working on technical skills, maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere helps players develop a lifelong love for this dynamic team sport. With consistent practice using these fundamental drills, beginners will soon find themselves ready for more advanced techniques and tactical concepts as they continue their volleyball journey.