1. Before the Big Match
Practicing transitions is important to any well-developed volleyball team. Make sure you practice your volleyball transitions in a game-like setting, as well as working with the coach in practice sessions. Play scrimmage games, if at all possible, against teams with a similar skill level. This enables the transitions, from serve to set to hit, to be carried out in a better, more realistic way.
2. Call the Ball
Obviously, volleyball formations must include communication with your team. If you don't have proper verbal and non-verbal communication, you won't have everyone on board with the formation changes. Setters and hitters all must know their placement, whether moving on or off the net. Be sure you communicate with your teammates about the formation verbally pre-game and during the game as well, using non-verbal and verbal cues. This is similar to the hand signals baseball catchers use, but can be as simple as a nod while you move to the appropriate position.
3. Make Your Team's Formations
Experiment with different formations during the pre-season and see which suits your set of players best. Formations like the six setter lineup are great for those inexperienced teams just learning to play, but most teams go with the two setter system where their setters transition into the right back and the front left positions. This makes the most of the individual strengths of some of your team members.
4. Transitioning Into Transitions
While the six setter formation requires no transition, transitioning from the six setter lineup to a specialized one should include transition drills. These drills include having the coach tap the ball while in one formation, and requiring the team to get into the prescribed formation, such as the two setter formation. This way the transition is made more easily during games.
5. Time Your Moves
Timing is very important when you make transitions in volleyball. You are not only required to get into formation quickly, you need to time the moves and coordinate with the other players on your team so that you don't run each other over. Take the time to practice the time, and timing, of your transitions. More experienced teams may choose to hold back transitioning into their formation as a strategy, but most teams want to fall into formation immediately after the serve, making sure they don't run over each other in the process.
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