Hitting is one of the most fundamental aspects in volleyball. Without good hitters, a team will struggle to score and get blown out of the gym. In order to help your players become more aggressive hitters and improve your kill average, there are some basic hitting drills you can try.
Reaction Drill
Players have to adjust in mid-air to what the defense is doing during the game. This reaction drill helps your players develop this skill. Have your players line up at the service line on one side of the court. The first player in line goes to the net to act as a setter. The next player in line is the hitter. The setter sets the ball at the net while the hitter runs and jumps to approach the hit. As the hitter is in the air, yell out a certain spot on the court for the player to hit, such as one of the lines or corners. You can also yell for the player to tip the ball rather than spiking it. The player must hit the ball according to your command. After the player has hit the ball, she rotates to the spot of the setter, who goes back to the end of the line. Perform the drill enough times so that each player has several chances to hit the ball.
Four-Corner Drill
The four-corner hitting drill helps players develop accuracy with their hits. Set up one chair in each of the four corners of one side of the volleyball court. Have hitters line up just out of bounds near the net. Stand across the court near the net on the same side of the court, and toss the ball in the air for the first player to hit. If the player hits any one of the chairs, he scores one point. The player with the most points after a certain number of rounds wins.
Wall Drill
This simple but effective drill helps newer players focus on working on their hitting form rather than trying to get the ball over the net. Have players stand about 10 feet from a solid wall with a volleyball in their hands. Have them then throw the ball overhead and hit it so that it strikes the wall, bounces and returns to them high enough to be hit again. Players should repeat the drill over and over again, hitting the ball hard and with proper form as you watch and give instruction and correction. After getting comfortable with the drill, have them do it so the height of the ball causes them to have to jump to hit it, as in a real game.
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