Drills To Improve Passing In Volleyball Are A Basic Part Of Any Training Program.
Passing is the first step to an offensive strategy. It is the team’s first touch after a ball has been sent over by your opponent. Drills to improve passing in volleyball should be practiced for all players.
If they cannot pass, then the setters and attackers cannot do their jobs. As a team, you only get three hits before the ball must be returned to the other side. Thus, effective and strategic passing in volleyball is crucial.
Before we get to the drills, here is a quick rundown of the kinds of passing in volleyball.
- Bump. This is the most basic pass in the sport. It is also called a forearm pass because players use their forearms, just above the wrist, to execute this move. The goal is to pass to the setter so she can set it up for an attack. When doing this pass, the arms should be away from the body at a 90-degree angle. The knees should also be bent.
- Overhead Passing. As the name implies, this pass involves an overhead motion with the ball targeted to a teammate. This type of pass is executed with the fingers. Unlike in setting, the fingers should be stiffer, and the hands can be closer together. Overhead passing is ideal on short serves and if the ball is traveling above the player’s head. It is considered an easier way to pass to the setter, especially if the ball is flying high above the passer.
Passing Drills In Volleyball
A reminder to coaches: It is important to practice as many passing scenarios as possible. Drills should not always focus on the midline. It is just as vital to get used to receiving serves from all angles—left and right. Drills should include right-to-left (for the right-back passer) and left-to-right (for the left-back passer) passing, depending on the location and the intensity of the serve.
Here are some drills that can help:
- A simple drill for beginners is to have one player toss the ball to another player. The latter’s goal is to pass it back while shuffling and without crossing their feet. The tosser should be at least 10 feet away from the passer. She must throw the ball high and vary the direction so the passer cannot anticipate it. The intent is to teach players body control and a seamless approach to the ball. Footwork and agility drills help players get behind the ball faster.
- This two-way pepper drill requires four players—two back row players on each side of the net. The goal is to develop ball control and focus. The starting players begin with a down ball to the player in front of them. The two players on the other side pass and set to themselves, and then finish with a down ball straight across. One side can do a cross-court while the other does it straight.
Tips On How To Be A Better Passer In Volleyball
- When doing the forearm pass, it is important not to swing the arms. Extend your arms and keep your elbows steady so that the ball has a solid platform. Remember that the goal is to control the ball. In some cases, it helps to move backward to absorb the impact of the ball as it makes contact with the forearm.
- Focus on the ball so you can anticipate where you need to be. Do not take your eyes off it.
- Learn how to read the server. Check out our post on why reading in volleyball is a fundamental skill for any player.
Hone Your Passing Skills With OTL Volleyball
Passing is one of the basic skills we teach in our programs and camps. Visit our website to find out more or check out our YouTube channel for all things volleyball, including drills you can practice at home.