DRILLS

Table Of Contents

Drill Key

Attack vs defense

Down balls

Four Person Pepper

Serve Receive

Blind run through

Bombs away

Figure eight digging

Controlled setting

Pendulum drill

Attacker vs the wall

Time point scoring drill

1. Pepper- (Bump, Set, Spike) Two players should face one another about 5 to 7 feet apart. This should all happen in a fluid motion, the ball should never rest until you are done. The idea is to pass the ball to your partner, wait for it to be set to you, then hit it (easy at first) to the other player. He/she will pass the ball to you, you set to them and they will hit back to you.. And repeat until tired. Advice- As you become better try harder hits, this will improve your defense. 

2. Monkey in the Middle- (Bump, Set, Spike) Three players line up in a triangle, with the setter in the middle. Two players should be in a "Pepper" Position (see above), with the setter in the middle. The two players will play this drill like Pepper, but bumps will be done to the setter, Advice- The setter should should move around as players control passing better. 

3. Ricochet- (Hitting) One player should stand about 5 feet from a solid wall. And practice swinging at the volleyball. Aim your swings so the ball hits the floor then bounces of the wall and back to you, hit the ball as it comes back. This exercise should be in a fluid motion as well. (DO NOT USE A GOOD BALL) 

4. Prison Break- (Setting) One player stands at 4 feet from a wall. Find a place on the wall and set that spot as many times as you can until every set hits the same spot, trying not to move your feet at first. This drill gets it's name from the idea of the rock on the prison cell wall (You will eventually break through) Advice- After you get better, try moving back and forth and side to side.

5. Swish- (Setting) This drill is very simple to understand. One player stands at different spots and tries to "Swish" the Volleyball using a overhand set. This drill is easier if you have a partner throwing balls up at you from below the net. Try not to "shoot" the volleyball, Although the drill is called basketball, the ball you are holding is white. Advice- I have found that setting a basketball helps to strengthen your wrists and fingers , if you can do it cleanly, try it. If you start to get sloppy, don't.

6. Arch- (Setting) This drill, is very literal. Two players stand facing each other and set the ball back and forth. As you get better, talk to each other and let each other know the height you will be setting (Subliminally- your communication has no choice but to improve) Advice- As you improve, try moving farther away, then closer. Keep talking to each other and the drill will be more effective. 

7. Run and shoot- (Passing, Setting, Timing, Defense) 3 Players, one stands on a side of the court and assumes defense. Two players stand on the other side as offense, one as a passer and one as a setter. The defensive man throws a ball to the passer and they play as normal, instead of hitting hard, hit to the defense. ( Remember, this is to improve timing, not power ) After five plays, the passer becomes defense, the setter becomes passer and the defense becomes the setter, get it? Advice- Try running to the next position instead of walking you lazy bums. Don't ever forget about conditioning. 

8. Handball- (Reflexes, coordination, control) Two players stand facing each other about 4 feet apart. Basically, you must "Pepper the ball with your fist only. Almost like a hacky sack with your hands. Very simple, but the skill will help, Anybody who has played seriously can attest to the last minute knuckle swipe that saved a rally. Advice- Stand Closer until it becomes impossible.

9. Dodge Ball- (Reflexes, Defense, Advanced Stretching) Remember when you played Dodge Ball during recess? If you caught the ball the kid who threw it at you had to sit down. Well this Drill is similar except no one sits down. You must throw the ball at your partner and he must pass it to you. After five throws switch and repeat until both players are tired. You can have an unlimited amount of players, it actually switches the game up because you don't know if the ball is coming to you until it's at your face. Advice- Throw harder or move closer as you become better. 

10. Sit-Set- (Setting confidence) 2 to 3 people sit with their legs apart almost touching. Set in a sitting position to each other. Do not use your arms, only your wrists. Continue until all sets can be handled well for for 5 minutes, if you can set sitting down with only your wrists then you will feel more confident when you stand up and use your knees. Advice- If a ball goes over your head, don't try reaching back and setting it half a%*ed. Catch it and start over. 

  [PHOTOS] [VOLLEYBALL]