Communication is one of the most crucial skills for members of a volleyball team to possess. During matches, volleyball players must be able to convey important information to teammates --- such as letting a teammate to know where you are, where a better-placed teammate is, or where a gap in the defense may exist. Positive communication can also make you a better teammate off the court.
React and Set
This drill is conducted in pairs. The setter is player A, and stands at the middle of the volleyball net with her back turned to player B. Player B tosses the ball to the setter, and calls loudly and clearly whether the ball is tossed to the left or right. Player B then runs to the net and receives the set. Upon hearing the call, the setter turns and prepares to set to player B, who spikes the ball over the volleyball net. This drill teaches the setter to react, and to trust the communication of her teammates. The drill also forces the teammate to communicate loudly, clearly, and early. Any delay or confusion in communication will leave the setter unable to turn to face the ball and react in time.
Block and Cover
This communication drill works on the defensive aspect of the game. Three defenders line up three to five yards away from the net. The coach stands on the other side of the net ,and tosses a ball up for a player to spike over the net. The coach will vary spikes to come from the middle, left, and right of the net. When the ball goes up, the defenders must recognize where it is headed, and communicate about who should block the ball. The other two defenders will then drop into cover positions. The key communication points for the defenders are to call clearly if they are taking responsibility, and to talk to a teammate when the ball enters that teammate's area. Communication is vital to ensure both that a defender goes up to block, and to keep two defenders from going up for the same ball --- which can result in an easy tap-over into empty space for the opposing player.
Shot Call
The shot call drill focuses on the communication between the setter and shooter. The setter and a teammate line up at the net, with someone to feed them balls. The other side of the court is divided by cones into three distinct zones --- the left side being zone 1, the middle zone 2, and the right side zone 3. The ball is tossed to the setter, who calls a number to her teammate; they earn a point if the teammate spikes the ball into the area called by the setter.
Make this drill more challenging by placing two defenders on the other side of the net. As the setter is fed the ball, the defenders occupy two of the three zones. The setter reacts, and calls out the unoccupied zone for the ball to be spiked into.
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