3 Volleyball Drills for all Youth Volleyball Players

Volleyball is a dynamic sport for both girls and boys! Arguably one of the most team-driven sports you can play, youth volleyball teaches players teamwork, communication, and strategy. Use these volleyball drills to help your volleyball player build fundamentals and further develop their setting and serving skills.

1. Hot Potato: Use this drill as a fun warm-up

This is a catching and throwing game.

• • • Divide players into pairs – one pair on either side of the net and other teams in line on one baseline.
    • One team throws the ball over the net to a spot that might “score.”
    • The other team must catch it and throw it back from where it was caught. When the ball drops, or is thrown out or into the net, the game is over.
    • The winning team moves to the side without the line of other teams and the losing team rotates to the back of the line.

Run this drill for 5-10 minutes for a fun way to warm the players up and get beginners more comfortable with their environment.  

2. Overhead Floater: Use this drill to help with serving fundamentals

• • • Players start behind the serving line, make sure they set up their base before serving.
    • When serving, the player will make sure to keep their hitting hand flat and over their head at shoulders width.
    • Once they make contact with the ball with their open hand they will stop the movement from their hitting hand, this will cause the flotation effect in the serve.

Use this drill to progress serving skills to the overhand serve. This will help teach players the proper mechanics as well as work on muscle-memory.

View our volleyball skills and drills video for a visual reference! 

3. Triangle Setting: Use this drill to teach players how to set.

• • • In groups of 3, set-up a small triangle (3-4 ft between players) where each player is facing the way they will set.
    • Encourage players to count how many sets they get before the ball drops. Rotate directions after 2 minutes.
    • To make it more fun, make it a contest between groups to see which group can have the most continuous sets.

Use this drill to focus on the fundamentals of setting the ball. It’s great for teaching beginners, but still a fundamental drill for advanced players to practice as well.

View our volleyball skills and drill video for a visual reference!

Save these three drills for later and use them to coach your youth volleyball team, for at-home skill-development, or as fun games on a rainy day!

Register for Your Local Volleyball Leagues

At i9 Sports^®, we offer co-ed and girls volleyball leagues, camps, and clinics for ages 7-14. Our youth volleyball programs are designed to grow with your athlete from their rookie debut to their final game. We focus on skill-development and sportsmanship every week to help develop the whole athlete—on and off the court. All ages and skill-levels are welcome, no tryouts necessary.

Join our volleyball programs and help your kids reach new heights!