One Person Volleyball Drills

One Person Volleyball Drills
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Considering that volleyball is a team sport, you might think it is difficult to practice by yourself. While it is unrealistic to simulate game conditions by yourself, you can work on fundamentals and ball control. All you need is a ball and some open area. If you have access to a volleyball court with a net, you will be able to do even more drills by yourself.

Ball Control

Start by making forearm passes into the air while standing, then slowly begin to bend your knees until you are controlling the passes while squatting. Stand back up slowly, keeping the ball under control. You can switch it up by using only your right or left arm, and by rotating in a circle while you are passing. To make it more challenging, stand close to the net and bump the ball over it. Quickly duck under the net and play the ball back over to the first side. Move back under the net and continue going back and forth. These drills highlight ball control and moving around the court while focusing on the ball.

Wall Drill

Stand six to 10 feet from an empty wall, and bump the ball off the wall. Pass the ball into the air on the return, and then send it back against the wall. Practice passing from the left side and right side of your body, as well as from the front. You can move closer to or farther from the wall for a variety of looks, and also pass the ball higher and lower on the wall. The goal is to become comfortable receiving the ball from various heights and distances.

Chair Sets

Practice setting the ball to yourself while sitting in a chair. Vary the height of each set, and practice using the same form on every repetition. For more of a challenge, sit on the ground and set the ball in the air. Another variation is to set the ball, then do a situp while the ball is in the air. This will not only improve your core strength but teach you to focus on a moving ball.

Digs

To simulate a spike coming at you, stand about 10 feet from a wall and throw the ball so it returns to you at a downward angle. You will have to get into a receiving position quickly so you will be able to dig the ball before it hits the ground. If you return it straight in front of you, you will know that you returned the ball cleanly.

References

Article reviewed by NathanH Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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