Volleyball Practice Drills to Help Kids Learn the Basics and Progress

Volleyball is an exciting sport that helps kids build coordination, teamwork, communication, and confidence. Whether your child is picking up a volleyball for the first time or looking to improve their skills, practicing the fundamentals is a great way to help them grow.

The good news? Kids don’t need hours of intense training to make progress. Simple, fun volleyball drills can help young athletes learn the fundamentals while keeping practices engaging and enjoyable.

Here are some of the best volleyball practice drills for kids.

1. Ready Position Relay

One of the first volleyball skills kids should learn is the athletic ready position.

Have players line up and practice moving into the “ready” stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands ready. Turn it into a relay by having players shuffle to a cone and back while maintaining good form.

This drill teaches balance, movement, and preparation before every play.

2. Balloon Volleyball

For younger beginners, balloons are a fantastic teaching tool.

Partners or small groups work together to keep a balloon in the air using volleyball touches. The slower speed gives kids extra time to react while introducing concepts like positioning, communication, and ball control.

As confidence grows, transition to a lightweight volleyball.

3. Partner Passing

Passing, often called bumping, is one of the most important volleyball fundamentals.

Pair players several feet apart and have them practice forearm passes back and forth. Encourage bent knees, a flat passing platform, and controlled movement toward the ball instead of reaching.

As players improve, gradually increase the distance between partners.

4. Target Serving

Serving is a skill that develops with repetition.

Set up cones or hoops on the opposite side of the court and challenge players to serve toward specific targets. Younger athletes can begin with underhand serves before progressing to overhand techniques.

Turning serving into a game keeps kids motivated while improving consistency.

5. Set and Catch

Setting can be difficult for beginners because it requires proper hand position and soft touch.

Instead of immediately setting repeatedly, have players set the ball upward and catch it before repeating. This allows them to focus on hand placement, balance, and extending through the ball without feeling rushed.

6. Three-Touch Challenge

As kids become more comfortable with the basics, introduce the concept of working together.

Small groups try to complete three touches before sending the ball over a low net. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s encouraging communication, teamwork, and movement while reinforcing the flow of the game.

Keep Volleyball Fun

The best volleyball drills for kids focus on learning while making practice enjoyable. Celebrate effort, encourage improvement, and remind young athletes that mistakes are a natural part of getting better.

Recreational volleyball is about much more than winning games. Every practice gives kids an opportunity to develop new skills, stay active, build friendships, and gain confidence that extends far beyond the court.

With practice, encouragement, and a positive environment, young athletes can build their skills and confidence at their own pace- all while discovering a love of volleyball and the joy of being part of a team.

Find a youth volleyball league today.