Top 7 Volleyball Tryout Drills

• Analyze an athlete’s strengths & weaknesses
• Identify new talent
• Understand players’ skill level

These are a few of the many reasons why volleyball tryouts are held. And with every volleyball tryout comes drills. We dive into the 7 volleyball drills that can be applied at tryouts to accurately assess your players, helping you make more informed drafting decisions!

1. Low Squat Catching Drill

Set up:

• Place players on the court. In no specific order, ensure players have sufficient space between them.
• Each player will have one volleyball.

Execution:

• On the player’s count, they will toss the volleyball into the air and allow it to bounce once.
• Before it bounces on the floor a second time, the athlete will get into a low base position and catch the ball.

Note: A low base position will allow for quick and agile movements. In this position, hips are shoulder-width apart, knees are bent, hands are in front, and elbows are slightly bent.

2. Pass & Run Drill

Set up:

• Line up players in a single file line behind one side of the net.
• Each player will have a volleyball.
• The first player will be 8 feet behind the net. The next player will be closely behind (a couple of steps behind the first player for reference).
• A coach will stand on the other side of the net with a bucket beside them to collect the balls.

Execution:

• The first player in line will pass the ball to the coach on the other side of the net and quickly run to the back of the line.
• The next player in line will take their turn.
• After each pass, the coach will quickly place the volleyball in the bucket.

Note: The pass & run drill helps players practice accurate passing and quick transitions.

3. Jump Blocking Drill

Set up:

• A coach will stand closely behind one side of the net (a couple of steps behind for reference).
• Players will line up in a single file line behind one side of the net.
• The first player should be standing only a couple of steps behind the net.

Execution:

• The coach will assume the same position for the entirety of the drill, holding the ball above the net firmly with both hands.
• On your call, the first player in line will jump from a standing position and try to touch the ball that is held above.

Note: This drill assists young players in developing their jumping skills, timing, and blocking technique.

4. Self-Setting Drill

Set up:

• Place players on the court. In no specific order, ensure players have sufficient space between them.
• Each player will have one volleyball.

Execution:

• Players will stand with one foot slightly in front of the other.
• On the player’s count, they will toss the volleyball directly above their heads.
• Players will then catch the ball with their fingers spread.

Note: This drill teaches players proper ball & body positioning when setting.

5. Partner Serve Drill

Set up:

• Pair up your players. One player will start with a volleyball.
• Both players will stand on opposite sides of the court, each positioned on the attack line.

Execution:

• The player with the volleyball will start first. On their count, they will serve the volleyball to their partner.
• If their serve is successful, they will take one step back on the court.
• The next player will take their turn serving and follow the same rules.

6. 3-Step Spiking Drill

Starting notes:

• For a right-handed player, their right foot will be the forward foot (and vice versa for a left-handed player).
• *This three-step approach, compared to a 4-step approach, will help your players create more momentum, leading to a higher jump.
• No ball will be needed for this drill. The 3-step spiking drill will solely focus on foot placement and arm movement.

Execution (foot placement):

• Assuming the player is right-handed, here is what the step progressions will look like:
• First step: A big step is taken with the left foot.
• Second & third steps: The remaining two steps will be right then left. Most importantly, these steps will be quick in succession.

Note: When the player’s foot makes contact with the floor on the third step, the foot should be slightly pigeon-toed. This foot placement helps halt forward motion and redirect momentum upwards, resulting in a higher jump.

Execution (arm movement):

• First step: Arms should be pointed down to the floor before the player takes their first step. As the player takes their first step, both arms will swing forward.
• Second step: Both arms will swing backward
• Third step: Both arms will swing upwards. The non-hitting hand will extend straight into the air while the hitting arm is slightly back and bent at the elbow.

7. Angle Dig Drill

• Pair up players anywhere on the court, with sufficient space between each pair.
• The receiving player will begin in an athletic stance, with their knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended in front of them.
• The other player will toss the volleyball at various angles. The receiving player must then move laterally and dig.

Note: This drill encourages players to take small steps and position themselves behind the ball to successfully prevent it from hitting the floor.

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