Youth volleyball drills focus on introducing children to basic skills of the sport. Depending on the age of the kids, you may need to lower the net and shrink the court to make it easier for them to complete the drills. Vary the drills to give elementary-age children a well-rounded introduction to the sport.
Three Tosses
This drill gets the kids in the habit of three different players touching the ball as it is returned over the net. While in an actual game that might include a bump, set and spike, this skill goes with more basic actions for young children. Divide the kids into teams with one team on each side of a net. The first team throws a lightweight ball, such as a beach ball, over the net. A player on the receiving team catches the ball and tosses it to a teammate. This teammate throws it to another player who throws it to another team member. The final team member tosses the ball over the net to the other team, which also does the three tosses.
Partner Practice
A simple drill for young kids is to have them practice their skills with a partner. The partners initially stand only 5 to 10 feet apart so the kids don't have to worry as much about distances. As they get better at the skills, the partners back up farther for more of a challenge. For example, the kids might start out bumping a ball back and forth from 10 feet apart. After practice, they back up to 15 feet and continue bumping. This drill also works with setting and serving.
Skills Relay
A volleyball relay adds a game element to teaching the skills of the sport. Serving works well with the relay concept. Divide the kids into two teams, with both teams standing on the same side of the net in the service area. The first player on each team serves the ball and must hit it over the net. A miss means the player must retrieve her ball and try again until she clears the net. She retrieves her ball and gives it to the next player, who repeats the assignment. Another relay option is to set the ball back and forth as two players move down the gym and back.
Oversize Ball
A giant ball that moves slowly gives young kids an easier chance to practice volleyball skills. The slow-moving ball gives the kids more time to react. Use the giant ball to practice one specific skill at a time, or play a scrimmage game of volleyball to put together multiple skills. You may need to lower the net so the kids are able to get the ball over it.
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