College Volleyball Drills

College volleyball requires agility, aggressiveness and an understanding of how to anticipate where the ball will go. Drills that cover defense, blocking and ball control will prepare players to deal with the fast pace nature of volleyball and maintain control. Defense and blocking drills are meant anticipate ball movement and get the player to react to certain offensive moves instinctively. Ball control is important to get players to set up the best shot possible.

  1. Ball Control

    • A college volleyball drill designed to improve players ball control abilities is called Ball Control Elimination. Players practice making different shot and tips to specific areas on the court. The coach will start the drill with down ball or free ball. The first player to the ball will pass the ball to the setter. The setter will set up a back row attack. The back row hitter will then hit the ball to the other side of the court. To stay in the drill, the hitter has to hit the ball so the other team can dig. If they do not, they are out of the drill. This drill goes until one player is left standing. The setters stay in setting position.

    Blocking Drill

    • A blocking drill called Reach and Bounce teaches players to penetrate the net and surround the ball. On one side of the net there are two ball holders, each standing on a chair, holding a ball right above the net. On the other side of the net is the blocker. Once the drill begins, the blocker has to penetrate the net and grab the ball with both hands. The blocker then throws the ball behind their head while in the air. Once on the ground, the blocker sprints to the other ball, jumps, grabs and throws that ball. The blocker can do this as many times as wanted. The space between the ball holders will vary based on preference.

    Defense Drill

    • Dig and Retreat is a defense drill used to get players to move prior to attacking the ball and stopping in the anticipated place where they will attack the ball. Have players line up at the back of the court. When the drill starts, have the first of player creep towards the net in ready position. When the coach brings his arm forward the player stops and get ready to receive the ball. When the coach hits the ball, the player digs the ball. The player then sprints off the court to allow the next player to go.