Blogs | VolleyballXL: Volleyball drills & training inspiration

The hybrid serve: the trend that makes passers hesitate

If you’ve been following higher-level volleyball matches lately—Eredivisie, Champions League, national teams, and increasingly strong amateur competitions too—you’ve probably noticed it: the hybrid serve is on the rise. Servers are no longer just looking for power or placement, but especially for ways to make passers hesitate. And that is exactly what the hybrid serve excels […]

The art of the float serve: A step-by-step guide

The volleyball float serve is one of the most underestimated yet powerful weapons in the game. Because the ball carries almost no spin, it moves unpredictably through the air — drifting, dropping, or suddenly shifting direction. Passers struggle to track it, and your team gains a huge advantage. This guide explains how to float serve, […]

Volleyball workout plan: Everything you need to know

A volleyball workout plan is much more than a regular fitness routine. It’s a targeted training approach designed to improve the exact physical qualities you need on the volleyball court. Think of jump height, explosiveness, agility, core stability, and shoulder strength. While a standard workout focuses on general fitness, a volleyball workout is tailored specifically […]

How to coach in volleyball: the complete guide for modern volleyball coaches

Learning how to coach volleyball is both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re coaching youth volleyball, middle school volleyball, high school volleyball, club volleyball, or you’re coaching volleyball for the first time, every coach faces the same goal: helping players grow with structure, confidence, and clear guidance. This guide gives you practical coaching tips (or read […]

How do you train conditioning in volleyball?

As a volleyball coach, you know how important technique, timing, and teamwork are. But how often do you think about your players’ physical foundation? Conditioning might not be the first thing that comes to mind in volleyball, yet it often makes the difference between scoring that extra point or just missing the ball. A well-trained […]

How to make your warm-up more effective and more fun

A good warm-up is much more than just a “start-up phase.” It’s the foundation of your training. Especially in youth teams, the warm-up not only determines how the body is prepared for exertion, but also how players arrive mentally: chaotic or focused, shy or engaged, sluggish or energetic. As a youth coach, you have the […]

Tips for improving the service pass

Every coach knows the situation: working on the service pass during training. We come up with drills, start enthusiastically with our players, and hope the passes reach the setter neatly. But it’s important to take a step back first. Why exactly are we training this? And more importantly: what should actually be trained? The service […]

The jump serve: power, timing and confidence

The jump serve is perhaps the most spectacular type of serve in volleyball. It’s a blend of explosiveness, technique, and courage. Players who master it can put enormous pressure on the opponent’s passing line. But it’s also a risky serve: one small mistake, and the ball ends up in the net or out of bounds. In […]

How varying hitting directions make your hitter harder to block

An attacker who smartly varies their hitting direction is harder to block. With small wrist movements you can keep the same approach and arm swing, but still give the ball a different trajectory. In this blog we explain the principle of “hitting on the clock”, including technique, drills, and practical tips. What is “hitting on […]

The 5-1 system in volleyball explained

The 5-1 system volleyball is the most commonly used formation in the sport—from top international teams to ambitious club squads. It provides numerous attacking options but also requires good organization and a skilled setter. In this blog, we explain exactly what the 5-1 volleyball system is, which positions are involved, and why this system is […]

How to make your volleyball training really work

A volleyball practice is more than just running through a list of drills. It’s about structure, clarity, and energy. How do you ensure your session runs smoothly, players have fun, and make visible progress? In this blog you’ll learn how the right preparation, crisp instruction, and practical rules of thumb turn every session into a […]

Different defensive systems in volleyball

There are several defensive systems used in volleyball. The system you choose depends on your style of play, the types of players you have at your disposal, and your blocking system, which plays a critical role. It’s also important to analyze the team you’re playing against. Every opponent plays differently, so as a coach, you […]

Why strength training is important for volleyball players

Strength is a critical component of the modern volleyball game. Whether you’re blocking, hitting, serving, or defending—without a solid physical foundation, you’re playing catch-up. Yet strength training often remains overlooked in volleyball, especially at the youth and recreational levels. In this blog, we’ll dive into why strength matters, how to integrate it into your training […]

King of the Court: the game that energizes every volleyball practice

Anyone who regularly plays volleyball has probably taken part in a competitive round of King of the Court. This game format is popular among coaches at all levels and is widely used during training sessions, as a warm-up, a finisher, or even as a competitive drill. But what makes King of the Court so popular? […]

Jump higher in volleyball: How to increase your vertical jump

In volleyball, performance often comes down to centimeters. Just a few extra centimeters in your vertical jump can be the difference between a blocked attack or a winning point, between just missing the ball or making that impossible save. Fortunately, you can train your jump power and you don’t need a full gym to do […]

Volleyball Terms: Quick reference guide

Volleyball has its own unique language, from basic skills like serving and passing to advanced tactics such as transition plays and blocking systems. This glossary helps players, coaches, and fans understand key terms, improving communication and knowledge of the game. Perfect for beginners and experienced athletes alike. Term Explanation Ace A serve that directly results […]

Volleyball coaching tips: strengthen your coaching skills

Being a good volleyball coach takes more than technical knowledge. It’s about communication, motivation, and creating a learning environment where players can grow—physically and mentally. At VolleyballXL, we believe that mastering six key coaching skills can truly elevate your impact. These tips will help you coach with more clarity, energy, and confidence. 1. Make direct […]

Serve smarter: effective serving volleyball tips

A good serve is much more than just starting the rally. It’s a powerful weapon that allows us to put pressure on the opponent, force errors, and even score direct points. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different types of serves in volleyball, discuss the tactical goals behind serving, and share practical […]

Referee hand signals in volleyball: what do they mean?

In volleyball, referees communicate almost everything through standardized hand signals. These gestures are internationally recognized and help players, coaches, and spectators understand what’s happening, all without saying a word. But what do all these gestures actually mean? In this article, we explain the most common volleyball referee signals so you’ll never be left guessing during […]

The 4-2 system in volleyball explained

The 4-2 system is one of the simplest formations in volleyball and is often used by youth teams and beginners. In this system, you play with two setters and four hitters. The 4-2 system can be played in two ways: with the setter in the back row (sometimes also referred to as the 6-2 system) […]

So not? So don’t do it!

First explaining how the exercise works, then explaining what you want the players to do, and ending with: “so not…”? This way, an exercise ends with what we don’t want or don’t want to see. And what is usually remembered in practice? The last thing you said. Not to mention the fact that our brains […]

The importance of ball trajectory recognition in volleyball

What’s the most important thing to develop in young volleyball players? Technique? Tactics? Physical skills? As a coach, do you ever notice that kids can form a great platform, yet somehow they still can’t quite get the ball to their arms properly? Or that they’re standing in the correct ready position, but the ball still […]

Building a volleyball training program: where to start as a coach

A solid training program is the backbone of every successful volleyball season. As a coach, your mission is to help your team improve, prevent injuries, and most of all: enjoy the game. But where do you begin? And how do you make sure your practices are both fun and effective? Set clear goals Every training […]

Wall drills for volleyball: improve your technique on your own!

Want to get better at volleyball, but don’t always have a training partner or a full team to practice with? No problem! With wall drills, you can train by yourself and significantly improve your technique. In this blog, you’ll discover which techniques you can practice, how to do them effectively, and get practical tips to […]

5 tips for improving your footwork in volleyball

Good footwork is essential in volleyball. It determines whether you can reach the ball in time for a perfect pass, set, or attack. Here are five tips to improve your footwork and take your game to the next level! 1. Work on your reaction time It all starts with a quick reaction. Make sure you […]

Why it is always good to choose the volleyball butterfly drill

At VolleyballXL, we understand how important speed, precision, and teamwork are in volleyball. That’s why we’ve developed our own VolleyballXL Butterfly Drills: dynamic exercises designed to challenge players and elevate their passing, setting, and reaction speed. In this blog, we’ll explain how to perform butterfly drills, why they are so effective, and how you can […]

Volleyball drills with balloons: Combining technique and fun in a playful way

Volleyball is a dynamic sport that revolves around technique, speed, and teamwork. For beginners and young players, mastering ball control and the correct movements can sometimes be challenging. A fun and effective way to learn basic techniques is by training with balloons! Balloons are lightweight, move slower than a volleyball, and give players more time […]

How to improve your volleyball attack

Improve your volleyball attack: Tips for greater effectiveness A successful attack is one of the most decisive aspects of volleyball. Not only is it spectacular to watch, but it is also crucial for scoring points. As a volleyball coach, I often see the same challenges with attackers: they don’t jump high enough, hit the ball […]

Pancake practice? Check out these pancake drills!

The pancake in volleyball is often the last resort to save a ball from hitting the ground. But how do you perform a good pancake and when? And what are effective drills to practice your pancake? Read this blog to find out! At the bottom of this blog, you’ll find pancake volleyball drills. What is […]

Volleyball drills to do at home

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, it is always possible to improve your skills, even when you can’t get to the gym or the court. Fortunately, there are many ways to practice volleyball at home. In this blog, we share some useful tips and ideas for volleyball drills you can do in […]

10 Tips for Your Volleyball Training

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced volleyball coach, it’s important to prepare your training sessions thoroughly. Creating an effective and fun training session requires planning, creativity, and attention to the needs of your players. In this blog, we’ll share 10 valuable tips that will help take your training to the next level. From setting goals […]

Creative ideas for 6v6 volleyball drills

As volleyball coaches, we know how important it is to help our team grow and improve. 6v6 drills are a great way to help players strengthen their skills and teamwork. In this blog, we’ll discuss three common questions coaches often ask about 6v6 exercises. Additionally, we’ll provide examples of drills we can find on VolleyballXL […]

The benefits of volleyball drills without a ball

Volleyball drills without a ball may seem unusual at first, but they are an essential part of training for players of all levels. These exercises focus on improving technique, movement, and body control, without the distraction of the ball. Here’s why incorporating drills without a ball into your practice routine can be so beneficial. Examples […]

Volleyball drills without a net: practical tips and examples

🏐 Volleyball training doesn’t always need a net to be effective. Drills without a net can be a valuable addition to any practice session. In this blog, we answer the most common questions from volleyball coaches about these drills and show you how to make the most of them. In addition, we have a number […]

Half Court Volleyball Drills: How to train effectively on half the Court

Not every practice has access to a full court or enough players. Half court volleyball drills are an excellent solution. These drills are not only practical but also highly effective for improving technique, speed, and teamwork. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make the most of half court drills. Example of half court volleyball […]

Training like an opera

Think about how parents teach their child new words: they stretch out the sound and put extra emphasis, they exaggerate. There’s a good reason for that. Because through exaggeration, you learn to understand where the boundaries lie. So, if you want to teach your players something new, lay it on thick. In practice If you, […]

Keep dreaming

In various books and studies, it is claimed that you can improve while sleeping, from surgeons to athletes. In short, top performers in their field all make use of the following principle: Just before going to sleep and while lying calmly in bed, they play a movie in their head of the ideal, beautiful performance […]

Effective coaching strategies: focusing on positive instructions in volleyball training

In this blog, we’re going to talk about the way training is given, focusing particularly on the explanation. Which coach doesn’t do this; first explain how the exercise goes, then explain what you want people to do, and conclude with: ‘so don’t…’? This way, an exercise ends with what we don’t want or don’t want […]

Ball trajectory recognition in youth Volleyball

What is the most important thing to develop in young players? Technique? Tactics? Physicality? Do you, as a coach, also sometimes experience that the children can make a nice platform but somehow they still don’t get the ball right on their arms? Or that they are ready in a correct stance, but still the ball […]

8 tips for the setter

The axis in the system. The pivot point of the game. The setter. It is said that the setter is probably the most important position in volleyball. This is not surprising because the setter touches the ball before almost every attack. The setter decides who to play to and who not to. The setter also […]

Mirror Neurons

Due to the necessary athletic restrictions, I have had regular conversations with several coaches over the past year. We talked about coaching life, bottlenecks, and to what extent these influence the level of our coaches. While pondering these conversations, I heard neuropsychologist Erik Scherder on television explaining terms like mirror neurons. A few days later, […]

Coach, do you know these 6 basic skills?

Hello Supervisor. Hello Coach! VolleyballXL can come up with all the exercises and create tools to improve your players or make the training more enjoyable, but isn’t it time for you, as a volleyball coach, to work on your own skills? What skills could you as a supervisor/coach develop or improve this year? In this […]

Result or performance?

Score: 21-24. Your team is behind and it’s your serve. If you make a mistake, the opponent wins. If you serve well, you’re one point closer. Will the serve go well? If you serve into the net, everyone will see that the set is lost. Because you hit the net. Score: 24-21. Your team is […]

The mime action

“We are that which we do on repetition,” said Aristotle. Repetition is an important key to faster/better development at both technical and tactical levels. But how can you as a player, and how can you as a coach/trainer, integrate this into your training sessions? How do you get the most out of your practice? The […]