Volleyball is a game of skill. Like all sports, it takes practice to become good at it. As the Volleyball Drills and Practice Plans website states, "Volleyball drills are the foundation for any practice because they build skills, teach athletes how to work and play as a team, and build strength and technique for competition." While all players with different skill sets can benefit from practice drills, beginners should practice passing drills since passing is an important feature of volleyball.
Terminology
To understand the game, a basic vocabulary of volleyball terminology is needed. Volleyball has its own language with various words for passing. According to the Volleyball website, "bump" is a common term for the forearm passing that is so often seen. An "assist" is "passing or setting the ball to a teammate who attacks the ball for a kill." There is also an overhand pass, or a set, in which the pass is "executed with both hands open, controlled by the fingers and thumbs, played just above the forehead." There are a couple of ways to pass a spiked ball: dig or pancake. A dig and a pancake usually require diving to the floor. A dig uses the forearm bump while a pancake uses the back of the hand.
Basics
"One of the most important aspects of beginning volleyball is the mastery of ball control," according to the Volleyball Drills and Tips for Beginners website. Learning the basics that go along with passing is essential to the art of passing the ball. Forearm placement and getting the arms used to taking the impact of the ball is the first step. Knowing where to position your feet and how to bend the knees also accompany a successful pass. The key to passing drills is repetition.
Toss and Pass
This drill would normally require two players. But it can be done with more or less. If you do not have a second player, you can use a wall as your partner. One person tosses the ball to the next person, who bumps it back, focusing on proper technique. After a designated number of passes, players can switch. If technique has you controlling the ball, players can bump back and forth to one another. If you are using a wall, simply toss the ball to a spot on the wall and bump it back against the wall. If your aim is successful, keep the ball moving. Otherwise, stop and toss the ball again. This drill is aimed at focusing on feet position, forearm technique and control of the ball.
Setting
This drill also requires two players but can be accomplished with more or less. One player tosses the ball high to the other, who then sets the ball back to the first person. If there is control of the ball, both players can set back and forth to each other. If you are using a wall, toss the ball high to the wall and set it back. You can also practice setting the ball by either standing or lying on your back. Try and keep the ball in motion by setting it to yourself. The goal is to control the ball.
Line Passing
This drill requires multiple people. According to the Strength and Power for Volleyball website, "players get into two lines facing one another. The players at the front of the line pass the ball. After a player passes, the player goes to the end of the line." This keeps the line moving and the ball in motion. Passing should start off as forearm bumps. After successful repetitions of bumping, you can switch the pass to setting. If this is equally successful, try alternating between forearm bumps and setting.
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