Volleyball is a team sport that requires quick reactions, accurate hits and teamwork. Extensive rules govern which types of plays are valid, so learn your league’s regulations before designing a training regimen for your team. Then develop training drills that teach kids the fundamental skills of volleyball, such as serving, setting and winning at the net.
Tossing Drill
Accuracy is important during a volleyball serve. Not only must players hit the ball over the net and keep it within the boundaries, they must also be able to target ill-defended areas on the opposing team’s side. A key element of the serve is the initial toss of ball into the air. Y-Coach, a youth-sports coaching resource, suggests the following drill: Have a player take the proper serving stance, with the lead foot forward. Direct her to toss the ball into the air about 18 inches over her head, but not to serve it. Y-Coach says the ball should land on the ground near the inside of the lead foot and directly in line with the hitting shoulder. Have players repeat this drill until they can consistently perform accurate tosses.
Net Save and Set Drill
Occasionally, the ball will hit the net when a team attempts to return a volley. To save the rebounding ball, a player should hit it straight up into the air. This move is called setting because it sets up a shot for another player, who can tap the rising ball over the net or spike it downward with a sharp hit. Train players to react quickly to save a net ball. Stand behind the players as they face the other side. Throw the ball sharply so it bounces off the net. Tell the players to save the ball and set up a teammate with a chance for a return volley. Rotate the players often to give everyone experience saving the ball and hitting it over.
Winning at the Net Drill
When a ball is in the air directly over the net, the player that reaches it first can hit it so that it lands on the other team's side. The term for a situation where two opposing players jump to hit a nearby ball is jousting. To develop jousting ability, have players form two lines facing one another on opposite sides of the net. Stand by the net and throw the ball high into the air. The players at the front of each line should run forward and attempt to hit the ball. Reward successful hits by giving that group a point. Then allow the next players in line to joust. The group with the most points wins.
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