43 Volleyball Drills for High School in 2023

This blog will cover some of the essential drills that every high school volleyball player should know. I will provide examples of passing, setting, hitting, serving, and blocking drills that can be used for warm-up or to improve your overall game.



So, get ready to elevate your game with these basic volleyball drills for high school!

Volleyball Passing Drills for High School: Improve Your Passing Game

Passing is a crucial skill in volleyball and is the foundation of any successful offense. From these volleyball passing drills for high school, players can benefit from practicing passing drills that focus on these aspects. I have compiled a list of effective passing drills. Here are some drills to improve your passing game:

1. Forearm Pass Drill in Volleyball:

The forearm pass, also known as the bump or the underhand pass, is one of the most basic volleyball skills. This drill among other volleyball drills for high school, helps players focus on their body position and forearm passing technique.

Instructions:

• Have players pair up and stand facing each other.
• Player A starts by passing the ball to Player B using a forearm pass.
• Player B then returns the ball to Player A using a forearm pass.
• It is important for both players to maintain a shoulder-width stance with their knees bent to provide a stable base for the pass.
• Encourage players to use their forearm to create a platform for the ball to bounce off of.

2. Overhead Pass Drill in Volleyball:

The overhead pass, also known as the set or the two-hand pass, is another essential skill for players. This drill helps players improve their hand positioning and overhead passing technique.

Instructions:

• Have players pair up and stand facing each other.
• Player A tosses the ball to Player B, who then sets the ball back to Player A.
• Players should focus on keeping their hands above their forehead and using their fingertips to guide the ball.

3. Partner Passing Drill in Volleyball:

This drill helps players improve their passing accuracy and consistency while working with a partner.

Instructions:

• Have players pair up and stand about 10 feet apart.
• Player A and Player B practice their passing skills by exchanging the ball back and forth.
• It’s important for them to communicate with each other and adjust their passes as needed to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• As players improve, increase the distance between them to challenge their passing accuracy.

4. Wall Passing Drills in Volleyball:

Wall passing volleyball drills for high school can also help players improve their passing accuracy. Players can stand in front of a wall and pass the ball back and forth using forearm passes or overhead passes. They can also practice passing the ball to specific spots on the wall, such as to a specific target or to a specific height.

Improving passing skills takes time and practice. By incorporating these passing drills into your high school volleyball team’s training, you can help your players develop a strong foundation for their offensive game.

Setting Drills For High School Volleyball

The setting is a critical component of the game of volleyball, and it’s essential for a team’s success. Setting drills for high school volleyball help players improve their technique, decision-making, and speed. Here are some examples of setting volleyball drills for high school, that players can use to take their skills to the next level:

1. Partner Setting Drill in Volleyball: 

This drill requires two players, one setter and one hitter. The setter stands on one side of the net, and the hitter stands on the other. The hitter tosses the ball over the net to the setter, who then sets the ball back to the hitter. This drill helps improve communication, timing, and accuracy.

2. Triangle Setting Drill in Volleyball:

This drill involves three players, one setter, and two hitters. The two hitters stand on opposite sides of the net, and the setter stands in the middle. The setter sets the ball to one hitter, who then hits the ball back to the setter. The setter sets the ball to the other hitter, who then hits the ball back to the setter. This drill helps improve footwork, speed, and decision-making.

3. Setter vs. Setter Drill in Volleyball:

This drill involves two setters, one on each side of the net. The setters take turns setting the ball to each other, focusing on accuracy and speed. This drill helps improve hand positioning, decision-making, and teamwork.

4. Jump Setting Drill in Volleyball:

This drill is designed to improve a setter’s jumping ability and setting accuracy. The setter stands on a box or platform, and the hitters stand on the opposite side of the net. The hitter tosses the ball over the net to the setter, who then jumps and sets the ball back to the hitter. This drill helps improve timing, coordination, and vertical jump.

5. Continuous Setting Drill in Volleyball:

This drill involves two players, one setter and one hitter. The setter continuously sets the ball to the hitter, who hits the ball back to the setter. This drill helps improve stamina, accuracy, and speed.

Want to know if you can use your feet in volleyball?

Serving Drills For High School Volleyball

Serving is one of the most critical skills in volleyball, as it is the only time a player has complete control over the ball and can score a direct point. Therefore, high school players need to develop strong serving skills. Here are some serving drills for high school volleyball that can help improve serving accuracy, power, and consistency:

1. Jump Serve Drills in Volleyball:

Jump serving is a more advanced serving technique that requires a player to jump before making contact with the ball. To practice jump serving, players can start by tossing the ball to themselves and jumping to hit it over the net. As they become more comfortable with the technique, they can progress to jump serving from a standing position and then from a running approach.

2. Float Serve Drills in Volleyball:

Float serves are another type that doesn’t spin and can be difficult for opponents to receive. To practice float serving, players can start by focusing on their ball toss, ensuring it’s consistent and in front of them. They can then work on hitting the ball with a flat hand and following through with their arm.

3. Serving to Specific Areas of the Court in Volleyball:

One way to develop serving accuracy is by practicing serving to specific court areas. Coaches can set up targets or cones on the court for players to aim for. This can also help players develop strategic serving skills by learning to target weak areas on the opposing team’s court.

4. Serve and Pass Drills in Volleyball:

Serve and pass drills involve players taking turns serving and passing the ball to one another. This drill not only helps improve serving and passing skills but also helps players develop communication and teamwork.

5. Serve and Block Drills in Volleyball:

Serve and block drills involve players taking turns serving and immediately transitioning to blocking at the net. This drill helps players develop quick reflexes and improves their ability to read the opposing team’s hitters.

Overall, serving drills are essential for high school players to develop strong serving skills. Coaches can mix and match these drills to keep practices engaging and challenging for their players. With consistent practice and hard work, players can improve their serving skills and become valuable assets to their team.

Volleyball Hitting Drills For High School

Volleyball hitting drills for high school requires a combination of technique, timing, and power. High school players can benefit from various hitting drills that focus on improving these aspects of their game. Here are some examples of hitting drills for high school volleyball:

1. Approach and Swing Drills:

The approach and swing are essential components of hitting. Players must develop the correct footwork and arm swing to generate power and hit the ball in different court areas. Approach and swing drills can help players improve their timing and technique. These drills can involve hitting off a toss or a set, which can be done with a partner or a coach.

2. Blocking and Hitting Drills:

Blocking and hitting are closely related skills, and practicing them together can help players improve their timing and decision-making. In these drills, players take turns hitting and blocking, focusing on reading the hitter’s approach and adjusting the block accordingly.

3. Cross-Court Hitting Drills:

Hitting different areas of the court is important for keeping the defense off-balance. Cross-court hitting drills can help players develop the ability to hit to different angles and increase their offensive options. These drills can involve hitting from different positions on the court and can be done with a partner or a coach.

4. Hitting Against a Block:

Hitting against a block is a common scenario in volleyball, and players need to learn how to adjust their hits to get past the blockers. In these drills, players practice hitting against a blocking dummy or a live block, focusing on finding the seams and hitting with power and accuracy.

5. Transition Hitting Drills:

Transitioning from defense to offense is an important part of volleyball, and transition-hitting drills can help players develop the ability to switch from defense to offense quickly. These drills involve starting with a defensive play and transitioning to a hitting opportunity, focusing on getting to the ball soon and hitting with power and accuracy.

By incorporating these hitting drills into their practice routine, high school volleyball players can improve their technique, timing, and power and become more effective hitters on the court.

Volleyball Blocking Drills For High School

Blocking is a crucial aspect of high school volleyball drills, and mastering this skill can make a significant difference in a team’s success. Here are some volleyball blocking drills for high school that can help players improve their technique:

1. Solo Blocking in Volleyball: 

This drill involves one player practicing blocking against a hitter. The hitter will hit the ball over the net, and the blocker will attempt to block it back. This drill helps develop proper hand positioning, footwork, and timing.

2. Team Blocking in Volleyball: 

This drill involves multiple players practicing blocking together. The coach will toss the ball over the net, and the blockers will work together to block the ball back. This drill helps develop communication and teamwork among players.

3. Block and Cover in Volleyball: 

This drill involves practicing both blocking and defensive positioning. The blocker will attempt to block the ball, and the defenders will be ready to cover any possible hits. This drill helps develop quick reflexes and improves defensive positioning.

4. Blind Blocking in Volleyball:

This drill involves blocking without seeing the ball. The coach will toss the ball behind a screen or wall, and the blocker must anticipate where it will come from and block it. This drill helps improve reaction time and blocking instincts.

5. Random Blocking in Volleyball:

This drill involves practicing blocking against different types of hits. The coach will hit the ball in different ways, such as straight down, cross-court, or off-speed, and the blocker will have to adjust their positioning and technique accordingly. This drill helps develop versatility and adaptability in blocking.

By incorporating these blocking drills into high school volleyball drills in practice routine, can improve their blocking technique and help their team succeed on the court.

Volleyball Defense Drills For High School

Volleyball defense drills for high school aims to improve players’ defensive skills and positioning, making them more effective on the court.

1. Digging Drills in Volleyball:

Digging is a crucial defensive skill that allows players to save a ball close to the ground. Some drills that can help improve digging include:

• Coach hits: The coach hits balls at the players, and they have to dig them back.
• Down ball digs: Players practice digging down balls hit by a coach or teammate.
• Live hitting: Players practice digging against live hitting from teammates or coaches.

2. Diving Drills in Volleyball:

Diving can save a ball that is out of reach or heading out of bounds. These drills can help improve diving technique:

• Roll and dive: Players practice rolling and diving to save a ball that is low to the ground.
• Serve and dive: Players practice diving to save a ball after a serve.
• Long court dive: Players practice diving across the court to save a ball.

3. Rolling Drills in Volleyball:

Rolling can help players save balls that are too low to dig or too far to dive. Some drills that can help improve rolling technique include:

• Partner rolls: Players roll balls to each other, alternating between forehand and backhand rolls.
• Solo rolls: Players practice rolling balls to themselves, alternating between forehand and backhand rolls.
• Live rolling: Players practice rolling against live hitting from teammates or coaches.

4. Covering Drills in Volleyball:

Covering in high school volleyball drills is an essential skill that ensures no gaps in the defense when a teammate attempts to block. These drills can help improve covering technique:

• Block and cover: Players practice covering the gaps after a teammate blocks.
• Coverage lines: Players practice covering different zones on the court, alternating between offense and defense.
• Live play: Players practice covering during live hitting from teammates or coaches.

These drills can improve players’ defensive skills and make them more effective on the court. Remember to practice regularly and focus on proper technique to get the most out of these drills.

Volleyball Warm Up Drills For High School

Volleyball warm up drills in high school volleyball drills prepare the body for the physical demands of the sport and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some examples of warm-up drills that are suitable for high school volleyball players:

1. Jogging/Running:

Jogging or running is a simple warm-up exercise that gets the blood flowing and prepares the muscles for more strenuous activity. Players can jog around the court or sprint to get their heart rate up.

2. Dynamic Stretches:

Dynamic stretching involves moving the body through a range of motion to warm up the muscles and improve flexibility. Examples of dynamic stretches for volleyball include lunges, leg swings, and arm circles.

3. Agility Drills:

Agility drills help to improve a player’s footwork and reaction time. Examples of agility drills for volleyball include ladder drills, cone drills, and shuttle runs.

4. Ball Handling Drills:

Ball handling drills in high school volleyball drills are a great way to warm up the hands and work on passing and setting techniques. Examples of ball-handling drills for volleyball include partner passing drills and setting to oneself.

5. Jumping Drills:

Jumping drills in high school volleyball drills may help to improve a player’s explosive power and jumping ability. Examples of jumping drills for volleyball include jump training exercises, box jumps, and jump rope.

It’s important to remember that warm-up volleyball drills for high school should be tailored to the specific needs of your team and the demands of the practice or game. A good warm-up should last 10-15 minutes and gradually increase intensity.

Volleyball Conditioning Drills For High School

Volleyball conditioning drills for high school helps in improving the athlete’s overall fitness level, which can lead to better performance on the court. Here are some examples of conditioning drills that high school volleyball players can incorporate into their training:

1. Sprints:

Sprinting is an excellent way to improve speed and explosiveness on the court. Set up cones or markers on the court and have players sprint back and forth between them.

2. Plyometrics:

Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements that help build power and strength. Examples of plyometric exercises for volleyball include jumping lunges, box jumps, and squat jumps.

3. Endurance drills:

Volleyball matches can be long and physically demanding, so it’s essential to have good endurance. Endurance drills like suicides, shuttle runs, and jumping rope can help improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

4. Circuit training:

Circuit training involves a series of exercises done one after the other with little to no rest in between. This training is excellent for improving overall fitness and can include squats, push-ups, and burpees.

5. Core Exercises:

A strong core is essential for volleyball players, as it helps with balance and stability on the court. Core exercises like planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists can help improve core strength.

Combining these conditioning drills into a high school volleyball drills, these can help them build strength, endurance, and agility. It’s essential to remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity to avoid injury.

Fun Volleyball Drills for High School:

Incorporating fun drills into your high school volleyball drills can help keep players engaged and motivated. Here are some ideas for fun volleyball drills for high school players:

1. Pepper:

Pepper is a classic volleyball drill that can be fun and challenging. It involves three players, with two passing the ball back and forth while the third player tries to “pepper” the ball back to them. The goal is to see how many consecutive passes the players can make without dropping the ball.

2. King/Queen of the Court:

This drill is a great way to work on offensive and defensive skills. Divide players into teams and have them play against each other on a smaller court. The winning team gets to stay on the court as the “king” or “queen” while other teams rotate in to try and take their place.

3. Around the World:

This drill focuses on serving accuracy and can be fun. Have players line up at the serving line and take turns trying to serve the ball to specific areas of the court. If a player misses, they have to go to the back of the line. The first player to successfully serve all designated areas of the court wins.

4. Relay Races:

Relay races can be fun to incorporate conditioning into your practice. Divide players into teams and have them race against each other while performing volleyball-related tasks such as passing or hitting the ball.

5. Blind Volleyball:

Blind volleyball is a fun and challenging among high school volleyball drills that requires players to rely on their other senses. Have players cover their eyes with a blindfold or bandana and play a volleyball game. This drill can help players improve their communication and spatial awareness.

In conclusion, there are a variety of high school volleyball drills that can improve players skills and achieve success on the court. From passing and setting drills to serving and hitting drills, each drill targets a specific area of the game and helps players develop the necessary skills and techniques. Additionally, warm-up and conditioning drills can help players prepare physically for the demands of volleyball and improve overall fitness. By incorporating a mix of these drills into their practice routine, high school volleyball players can enhance their abilities and reach their full potential.