Volleyball drills

Goal: Libero training and defense

  • T plays in tempo the balls to SV. 
  • SV set-up (2nd tempo) to A (position 3) --> targeted attack to position 1 or to B (position 4) --> targeted attack to position 6.
  • L starts from pos 6 + defense to SV2


Extension 1 : After defense from L to SV, set-up to position 4 where C attacks (aimed) 


Extension 2 : L2 defended attack from C, C is going to catch ball. 

drawing Attack vs defence (Libero)

Purpose: peripheral view. 

  • C plays the ball to L. 
  • L plays the ball to pos 3/2 --> SV2
  • Meanwhile, B3 moves to pos 2 or 4. (draw. to 2)
  • SV2 setup to the pos. where there is only one block. 
  • C goes blocking 
  • A attacks.


Meanwhile: 

  • T plays ball to SV1
  • SV1 setup to attacker where there are two blocks. 


Extension : field defense. 

drawing playmaker and block

Goal of the exercise is, the playmaker must try to make sure that on the other side of the net a double block can not be formed. 

  • T plays the balls at a high pace towards pos. 3.
  • SV walks in and gives set-up for -or backwards to fool the block. 
  • B tries to come to a drawbar block on attack.
  • SV passes around T after set-up. 
  • SV1 & 2 switch positions after each set-up. 

Expansion : 

  • Add field defense. (Liberos) 
  • B's play ball high back over to attacker passing towards pos 3/2
  • Exercise starts again from pass attacker. 
drawing Libero vs block

The goal of the core is, that the players can play the ball far overhead

  • The players face each other in pairs and play overhead
  • Hands well above the head, from the legs, body stretching and point towards the ball when releasing
  • The players stand further and further apart from each other.
  • Then we form two rows diagonally across the field and we play BH, chasing your ball



drawing Core 1  Overhead (kta)
  • Holding a plate with your hands at the 9 and 3 positions, this exercise builds the core and also develops upper body strength.
  • Specific to volleyball, it helps the shoulder stay healthy and aids in the transfer of power from the core to the upper body.
  • This exercise, done with 2 dumbbells, is good for glute strength, hamstrings and improving an athlete's vertical jump.
  • Some volleyball players choose to do stationary mat twist exercise for improving core rotational speed.
  • Keep in mind that you need to prepare a mat as well as weight (or a medicine ball) for this exercise.
  • First of all, you should kneel on a mat and hold a weight (or a medicine ball). Now, your job is to rotate to the right and then return to the center.
  • You also need to rotate to the left and then return back to the center.
  • It’s another exercise that helps volleyball players develop foot speed.
  • Uphill acceleration sprints involve sprinting on an uphill incline.
  • You should perform sprints for a certain distance a set number of times.
  • It’s a good idea to experiment with sprints.
  • Set a number of repetitions, distance as well as the duration of break for sprints.
  • Doing exercises like colored cones circles helps improve foot speed that’s incredibly important for a volleyball player.
  • First of all, you should prepare randomly colored cones.
  • You should also ask a coach (or friend) to assist you with this exercise.
  • At the next stage, you need to place colored cones in the circle.
  • Your goal is to create a circle that is 20 feet wide.
  • Now, you need to stand in the center of the circle.
  • The job of a coach (or friend) is to pick one of colored cones for you.
  • So, you will need to approach to the appropriate cone as soon as possible and then return back to the circle’s center using a crossover step.
  • It’s fair to say that volleyball is a very fast game.
  • That means that a volleyball player should be able to move quickly to do great job on the court.
  • Volleyball players should focus on increasing foot speed as well as core rotational speed.
  • Now, it’s time for you to get familiar with some of the best volleyball exercises for explosive speed.
  • Volleyball players should do high knee skips for a number of reasons.
  • It’s important to know that doing this type of exercise has a positive impact on a volleyball player’s calves, hamstrings and hip flexors.
  • If you do this type of exercise regularly then you will be able to improve your vertical jump, endurance and coordination over time.
  • Oftentimes, a volleyball player needs to jump off one leg during the game.
  • It’s worth noting that this type of jumping is done by both attackers and defensive volleyball players.
  • That’s the reason why athletes should do single leg bound exercise regularly.
  • Actually, this volleyball exercise has many great benefits.
  • First and foremost, doing single leg bound helps volleyball players succeed in jumping off one leg.
  • On the other hand, this exercise helps a volleyball player gain the confidence that he/she needs to do this type of jumping.
  • The exercise also positively affects a volleyball player’s hip as well as hip flexor and quads.
  • It’s crucial for volleyball players to do single leg bound exercise the right way.
  • When jumping off one leg you should try to keep your opposite knee up as high as it’s possible.