You can develop a child into a volleyball player by starting simply with the concept of jumping and touching the ball. Even once-in-a-generation players such as Misty May-Treanor, on the road to her two Olympic gold medals, had to start with this simple step. May-Treanor’s father, Butch May, was also an Olympian volleyballer. And her babysitter was Olympic legend Karch Kiraly, so she had invaluable coaching from childhood. Even without such an impeccable volleyball pedigree, you can get a child started in this fluid, powerful sport.
Step 1
Teach the child, beginning as a toddler, how to bat a balloon in the air. Tie a string between two chairs and show her how to knock the balloon over the string. This takes the child in the direction of developing the physical skills and coordination for volleyball.
Step 2
Move on to play with a light foam ball. Teach the child how to pass the ball. Ask the child to show you “buddy thumbs,” with arms and thumbs together, because young children may not understand the terms “bump” or “forearm pass,” recommends John Sample, the Texas-based inventor of VolleyTots.
Step 3
Bump the ball to the child, with your own fists held together and your forearms to make a passing platform. Send the ball up about three feet in the air so it drops gently to the child’s forearms for a return bump.
Step 4
Teach setting by asking the child to stand like Superman or Superwoman, on toes with arms extended, to contact the ball. Simplify attacking by showing the child how to hit a Whiffle ball or tennis ball over a lowered net.
Step 5
Look for VolleyTots instruction for children ages 3 to 9. Encourage the child to complete the obstacle courses, balance beam walks, and skips and shuffles the program uses to develop the basic coordination needed for sports, including volleyball.
Step 6
Graduate the child to a Mini Volleyball program for ages 9 to 13. This program sponsored by USA Volleyball uses a lower net, smaller court and lighter volleyball to help children further develop as players.
Tips and Warnings
- Phase out terminology oriented toward small children such as "buddy thumbs" as the child gets older. Teach the correct rules and terms of volleyball. As your child becomes even more advanced, teach strategies and fine points of defending and attacking. Focus on keeping learning fun. Point out that players at the highest levels miss serves and misplay the ball, recommends “Coaching Volleyball for Dummies.” Allow the child to relax and enjoy herself without fear of being criticized for mistakes.
Things You'll Need
- Balloon
- String
- Foam ball
- Whiffle ball
- Tennis ball
- Volley Lite ball
References
- Universal Sports: Beach Volleyball: Misty May-Treanor
- Jerry Hulla; Technical Director, Columbia Volleyball Club; Westminster, Maryland
- "Coaching Volleyball for Dummies"; The National Alliance for Youth Sports; 2009
- "Coaching Youth Volleyball"; American Sport Education Program; 2008
- AVCA Coaching Volleyball; VolleyTots: The Growth of a New Generation; John Sample; December/January 2010
- FIVB: Mini Volleyball
