Passing is the cornerstone of volleyball success. Without consistent, accurate passing, even the most talented team will struggle to execute offensive plays and maintain competitive rallies. As a volleyball enthusiast for over years, I’ve found that teams that excel at passing generally find themselves winning more matches, regardless of their other skills. Going deep in this blog post, I’ll share my favorite volleyball passing drills that have helped countless players develop rock-solid passing fundamentals, from beginners to advanced competitors.

Why Passing Matters So Much

Before progressing into the specific drills, it’s worth understanding why passing deserves so much practice time. Quality passing:

1. Sets up your offense – Good passes lead to more offensive options
2. Neutralizes strong servers – Consistent passing negates the opponent’s serving advantage
3. Builds confidence – Players who can pass well contribute regardless of their other skills
4. Creates flow – Teams that pass well maintain better rhythm and momentum
5. Reduces errors – Strong passing prevents “free” points for opponents

With these benefits in mind, let us know about drills that develop this crucial skill across different levels and contexts.

Important Passing Form Drills

These foundational drills focus on developing proper technique before adding complexity.

Platform Freeze

This drill isolates proper arm position – the foundation of consistent passing.

Setup:

• Players work individually or with partners
• No ball needed initially

Execution:

• Players create a proper passing platform (arms extended, hands together)
• Coach checks each player’s form
• Hold the position for 10-15 seconds
• Release and repeat 10 times

Coaching Tips:

• Look for straight arms with minimal gap between forearms
• Shoulders should remain forward and relaxed
• Thumbs should point downward in parallel position
• Emphasize keeping platform away from body

Wall Passing

This classic drill provides maximum repetitions for developing consistent form.

Setup:

• Players stand 5-10 feet from a wall
• Each player has a volleyball

Execution:

• Player tosses ball against wall
• As ball returns, player passes it back to the wall
• Focus on creating consistent, controlled passes
• Count consecutive successful passes as a personal challenge

Coaching Tips:

• Mark target areas on the wall at different heights
• Emphasize passing from the legs, not the arms
• Watch for consistent platform angle throughout contact
• Gradually increase distance from wall as skills improve

Partner Mirror Passing

This drill develops passing accuracy while reinforcing proper technique.

Setup:

• Players pair up, standing 15-20 feet apart
• One volleyball per pair

Execution:

• Partner A tosses ball to Partner B, who passes it directly back
• Focus on returning the ball precisely to partner’s position
• Complete 20 successful passes before switching roles
• Add movement by having tosser vary placement slightly

Coaching Tips:

• Ensure passers start in athletic stance (knees bent, weight forward)
• Watch for full follow-through toward target
• Emphasize “passing to a spot” rather than just “getting it back”
• Encourage communication between partners

Footwork and Movement Drills

Great passing requires proper positioning before contact. These drills develop the movement patterns essential for consistent passing.

Passing Stars

This drill emphasizes movement to the ball from multiple directions.

Setup:

• One passer stands in the center of “star” pattern
• Coach or teammates positioned at 5 points around passer (front, back, both sides, overhead)
• Each point has a tosser with a ball

Execution:

• Tossers alternate sending balls to passer
• Passer must move to each ball, pass it to target, then return to center
• Complete full rotation, then switch roles
• Time how quickly players can complete the circuit with good form

Coaching Tips:

• Focus on quick but controlled movements to the ball
• Ensure players establish stable platform before contact
• Watch for appropriate footwork patterns based on ball direction
• Emphasize center position reset between each pass

Lane Passing

This drill develops lateral movement while maintaining passing accuracy.

Setup:

• Create three lanes on court with cones or existing lines
• Passer starts in center lane
• Tosser stands on opposite side of net

Execution:

• Tosser alternates between throwing balls to outside lanes
• Passer must move laterally, pass ball to target area, then return to center
• Complete 10 passes to each side, then switch roles
• Add time constraints as skills improve

Coaching Tips:

• Watch for proper shuffle steps without feet crossing
• Ensure players maintain body orientation toward target
• Focus on creating space between ball and body when moving laterally
• Emphasize quick reset to ready position after each pass

Pivot and Pass

This drill develops the ability to respond to balls behind the player – a common game situation.

Setup:

• Passer faces target/net
• Tosser stands behind passer

Execution:

• Tosser throws balls slightly to either side of passer
• Passer must pivot (not turn completely), create platform, and pass to target
• After pass, player reorients to target for next repetition
• Complete 10 passes to each side

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize opening hips rather than turning back to net
• Watch for balanced body position throughout pivot
• Ensure platform stays consistent despite awkward body position
• Focus on accurate return to target despite challenging angle

Serve Receive Progression Drills

Serve reception requires specific focus, as it occurs under pressure and from varying trajectories.

Three-Zone Reception

This drill simulates game-like serve reception patterns.

Setup:

• Divide court into three zones (left, center, right)
• Position 2-3 passers in serve receive formation
• Server(s) on opposite side

Execution:

• Server aims for specific zones as called by coach
• Passers must communicate, move to ball, and deliver to target
• Rotate passers after 5-10 serves to each zone
• Track accuracy using point system

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize loud, early communication (“Mine!” calls)
• Watch zone coverage and positioning adjustments
• Focus on consistent passes to setter position
• Encourage passers to evaluate serve trajectory early

Pressure Passing

This drill adds performance pressure to simulate game conditions.

Setup:

• Full team in serve receive formation
• Servers on opposite court
• Target at setter position
• Point system established

Execution:

• Server serves to any position
• Passers must deliver ball to target
• Team earns points for passes rated on 3-point scale (3=perfect, 2=good, 1=playable)
• Team must reach point goal or face consequence (e.g., conditioning)

Coaching Tips:

• Create realistic pressure by tracking points publicly
• Provide immediate feedback on pass quality
• Encourage teammate support during drill
• Simulate game noise and distractions as skills improve

Consecutive Serve Reception

This drill builds mental endurance for passing through continuous repetition.

Setup:

• 3-4 passers in serve receive formation
• Multiple servers with balls ready
• Target at setter position

Execution:

• Servers deliver consecutive serves without breaks
• Passers must handle continuous serves for set duration (1-2 minutes)
• Focus on maintaining technique and concentration despite fatigue
• Rotate passers after each round

Coaching Tips:

• Watch for technique breakdown as fatigue increases
• Emphasize consistent starting position between serves
• Focus on communication despite increased tempo
• Build duration gradually as endurance improves

Specialty Passing Drills

These drills address specific passing challenges or game situations.

Short-Deep Adjustment

This drill develops the ability to adjust to varying serve depths – a common challenge.

Setup:

• Passers in normal serve receive formation
• Two servers – one for short serves, one for deep serves
• Target at setter position

Execution:

• Servers alternate between short serves (front of court) and deep serves (back line)
• Passers must quickly read depth and adjust position
• Focus on different footwork for approaching short vs. deep balls
• Complete 10-15 repetitions before rotation

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize early ball reading for appropriate movement
• Watch for proper forward momentum on short balls
• Ensure platform angle adjusts based on ball height
• Encourage calling ball depth to help teammates

One-Arm Emergency Passing

This drill prepares players for difficult plays where a standard platform isn’t possible.

Setup:

• Players work individually or in pairs
• One volleyball per player/pair

Execution:

• Tosser sends balls slightly out of reach
• Passer must extend with one arm to make controlled contact
• Focus on directing ball toward target despite compromised position
• Alternate sides to develop ambidextrous skills

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize extending through shoulder, not just arm
• Watch for flat hand/arm surface at contact
• Focus on control rather than power
• Develop comfort with both left and right-side extensions

Pass-Set-Hit Combination

This drill integrates passing into offensive sequence to enhance relevance.

Setup:

• Three players minimum: passer, setter, hitter
• Coach or server initiates with serve/toss
• Full court setup

Execution:

• Server delivers ball to passer
• Passer delivers to setter position
• Setter sets to hitter who attacks
• Rotate positions after each complete sequence
• Track successful sequences

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize quality over speed initially
• Focus on pass location and how it affects setter options
• Create accountability by tracking full sequence success
• Gradually increase tempo to game speed

Competitive Passing Drills

These drills add competitive elements to enhance engagement and simulate game pressure.

Pass or Chase

This fun drill adds consequences for poor passing while building teamwork.

Setup:

• Team divides into two groups on opposite sides
• Coach with multiple balls
• Target areas marked on both sides

Execution:

• Coach tosses ball to first team
• Team must pass accurately to target
• If successful, coach tosses to other team
• If unsuccessful, team must quickly retrieve ball and get in position for immediate next toss
• First team to miss three passes loses round

Coaching Tips:

• Keep tosses coming rapidly to create pressure
• Vary toss locations to force movement
• Encourage teammate support and communication
• Emphasize quick recovery from errors

King/Queen of the Court Passing

This competitive drill rewards consistent passing with court time.

Setup:

• Divide team into groups of 3-4 players
• Designate “King/Queen” side of court
• Server(s) ready with multiple balls

Execution:

• King/Queen team starts on designated side
• Challenger team must receive serve and pass accurately to target
• If successful, they replace King/Queen team
• If unsuccessful, next challenger team rotates in
• Team with most time as King/Queen wins

Coaching Tips:

• Create specific pass accuracy criteria for winning points
• Encourage strategic serving to challenge opponents
• Build team communication within small groups
• Maintain fast pace between rotations

Passing Wars

This head-to-head competition builds passing endurance and accuracy.

Setup:

• Divide court in half lengthwise
• Two teams in passing formation on each side
• Multiple servers with balls

Execution:

• Servers alternate serving to each team
• Teams earn points for accurate passes to target
• Passes are scored on 3-point scale
• First team to reach target score wins
• Losing team completes consequence

Coaching Tips:

• Create visible scoring system to track progress
• Balance serves to each team for fairness
• Increase serving difficulty as drill progresses
• Encourage team strategies for consistent success

Advanced Passing Progression Drills

These drills challenge experienced players to refine their passing skills further.

Blind Pass Challenge

This drill develops peripheral awareness and adaptability.

Setup:

• Passers positioned normally but wearing vision-limiting devices (like cones on sides of goggles)
• Servers with multiple balls
• Target area at setter position

Execution:

• Servers deliver balls from different positions
• Passers must track ball with limited peripheral vision
• Focus on early ball reading and positioning
• Award points for accurate passes despite vision limitation

Coaching Tips:

• Start with slower-paced serves before increasing difficulty
• Emphasize early movement to compensate for vision limitations
• Watch for proper platform despite reduced visual feedback
• Develop alternative cues (sound, server position) for anticipation

Crosscourt Communication

This drill develops on-court communication in challenging pass situations.

Setup:

• Four passers positioned in serve receive formation
• Two servers on opposite side
• Target at setter position

Execution:

• Servers deliver simultaneous serves to different court areas
• Passers must quickly communicate responsibility for each ball
• Both balls must be passed successfully to earn point
• First team to reach target score wins

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize loud, specific communication
• Watch for decisive movement after communication
• Encourage anticipation of challenging areas
• Develop team-specific communication terminology

Pass-to-Point

This drill emphasizes the connection between passing quality and offensive success.

Setup:

• Full team in game positions
• Opposing team or coaches as blockers/defenders
• Server initiates play

Execution:

• Play begins with serve to receiving team
• Team must convert possession into kill
• Points only awarded if initial pass rated “good” or “perfect”
• Track pass quality correlation with offensive success

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize connection between pass location and hitting options
• Track statistics to show pass quality/offensive success relationship
• Create accountability for entire offensive sequence
• Simulate specific game situations based on opponent tendencies

Creating a Progressive Passing Practice Plan

To maximize development, passing drills should follow a logical progression within both individual sessions and season-long planning.

Single Practice Structure:

1. Form Work (10 minutes)
   • Begin with isolated technique drills
   • Focus on proper body position and platform
2. Movement Integration (10 minutes)
   • Add footwork components
   • Incorporate multiple directions and speeds
3. Game Simulation (15 minutes)
   • Progress to serve reception drills
   • Integrate communication elements
4. Competitive Application (15 minutes)
   • Finish with competitive, high-pressure drills
   • Connect passing success to offensive execution

Season-Long Progression:

1. Preseason (Weeks 1-3)
   • Emphasize technical fundamentals
   • Focus on individual mechanics
   • Establish evaluation standards
2. Early Season (Weeks 4-6)
   • Introduce defensive system concepts
   • Develop positional responsibilities
   • Begin specialized role training
3. Mid-Season (Weeks 7-10)
   • Focus on consistency under pressure
   • Address specific weaknesses
   • Simulate opponent tendencies
4. Late Season (Weeks 11+)
   • Maintain mechanics through efficient drills
   • Emphasize mental toughness components
   • Fine-tune system details for playoffs

How To Overcome Common Passing Problems

Even with dedicated practice, players often encounter specific passing challenges. Here are solutions for the most common issues:

Problem: Platform Inconsistency

Solutions:

• Return to basic platform creation drills
• Use wristbands or tape to mark proper arm position
• Practice platform position without ball first
• Video analysis of arm position at contact

Problem: Inconsistent Foot Positioning

Solutions:

• Use floor markers for proper stance width
• Practice step-together-pass sequences slowly
• Implement “freeze” commands during drills to check position
• Develop pre-pass routine for consistent setup

Problem: Difficulty Reading Serve Direction

Solutions:

• Focus on early server cues (toss location, approach)
• Practice with server position concealed
• Implement verbal prediction before serve contact
• Slow-motion video analysis of server tendencies

Problem: Passing Under Pressure

Solutions:

• Gradually introduce distractions during practice
• Create consequences for practice errors
• Simulate game pressure with crowd noise
• Develop mental routines for composure

How to Integrate Technology for Modern Passing Development

Today’s volleyball coaches have access to technology that can enhance passing development:

Video Analysis:

• Record passing form from multiple angles
• Compare against elite player models
• Track improvement over time
• Provide visual feedback immediately after reps

Statistical Tracking:

• Measure pass accuracy using digital platforms
• Track patterns of weakness by court area
• Correlate pass quality with offensive success
• Set measurable goals based on data

Training Aids:

• Target systems with immediate feedback
• Platform angle measurement tools
• Weighted balls for strength development
• Vision restriction tools for focus training

Conclusion

Passing excellence doesn’t happen overnight. It requires deliberate practice, attention to detail, and progression from fundamentals to game-like complexity. The drills outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive framework for developing passing skills at any level.

Remember that quality always trumps quantity when practicing passing. A few perfectly executed repetitions build better habits than countless careless ones. Be patient with the process, celebrate incremental improvements, and understand that passing development is ongoing even at the highest levels of the sport.

By implementing these drills consistently, tracking progress objectively, and connecting passing success to overall team objectives, you’ll develop passers who can handle any serve with confidence and precision. As the saying goes in volleyball: “Great teams are built from the pass up.” Make passing excellence your foundation, and watch how quickly other aspects of your game follow suit.