Blogs | VolleyballXL: Volleyball drills & training inspiration

Volleyball serving tips for coaches from technique to tactical pressure

Volleyball serving is one of the easiest skills to underestimate. Many players think serving is simply about getting the ball over the net. Good coaches know it is much more than that. A serve can create pressure, force a poor pass, take away the middle attack and help your team start the rally with control. […]

Prepare a complete volleyball training session in 10 minutes

Every volleyball coach knows the feeling. Training starts soon, your players are expecting a structured and energetic session, but your own day has been packed with work, study, family, or other responsibilities. You want to give your team a valuable training session, but you simply do not have hours to prepare. The good news? A […]

How to choose the right volleyball drills for your team

You have planned a new drill for practice. On paper, it looks great. It is active, game-like and exactly the kind of exercise you want your team to do. But after a few minutes, you notice it is not working. The players are making too many mistakes, the rhythm disappears, and you spend more time […]

9 volleyball setting tips every coach should teach

The score is 24-23 for the opponent. Match point. After a long rally, the setter digs a difficult ball and another player has to take over the set. But the set goes wrong, flies too far and lands outside the opponent’s court. The match is over. Moments like this show exactly why a good set […]

Linear progression in sport: what science tells us

Necessary support or a limitation on growth? Within sports and physical education, learning pathways have been an important didactic tool for decades. Skills are built up step by step: from simple to complex, from isolated technique to game situations. This approach offers structure and clarity for the coach, but is it really what is best […]

How do you share your vision as a coach within the club?

As a coach, you probably have a clear idea in your head of how you want to work. You know what matters to you in volleyball training sessions, matches, behavior, effort and communication. Maybe you want players to always be on time, parents to be positive on the sidelines, your team to play with courage […]

What really matters when selecting volleyball players

In volleyball, we see it often: a player clearly stands out at a young age and is quickly labeled as a talent. Understandably so. In youth volleyball, players who have grown earlier, serve harder, jump higher or are physically more dominant immediately catch the eye. But that is also where the biggest pitfall in volleyball […]

The 3 pillars of motivation in volleyball: competence, autonomy, and relatedness

As a volleyball coach, you are often focused on technique, tactics, intensity, and match results. You want players to pass better, serve more accurately, attack more intelligently, and defend more consistently. But underneath all of those visible performances lies something more fundamental: motivation. And motivation does not arise only because players “feel like it,” but […]

Why and how to avoid lines in volleyball practice

In many volleyball practices, you still see the same pattern over and over again: players standing in a long line, waiting until it is finally their turn. One player passes, the next catches the ball, and then everyone moves to the back of the line again. For the coach, that kind of setup can sometimes […]

Practical blocking tips to dominate at the net

“My Block, My Block… My block, My block…” There’s something magical about hearing that during a volleyball match, isn’t there? And for good reason. Scoring with a block is one of the most beautiful ways to score in volleyball. Perhaps even the most beautiful. So it’s high time we talked about blocking and gave you […]

Read blocking volleyball vs commit blocking in volleyball

The middle blocker is the tactical engine of your block-defense system. The choice between commit blocking volleyball and read blocking volleyball determines whether you take away the quick middle attack or keep control across the entire net. For senior teams, this decision must be deliberate. Not based on “feel,” but on opponent tendencies, rotation patterns, […]

Out of system: The hidden key to winning volleyball matches

In modern volleyball, matches are increasingly decided in imperfect situations. An ideal pass remains the foundation of offensive efficiency, but when analyzing international matches, one thing becomes clear: the difference between winning and losing often lies in the moments when the system does not work. These moments are called Out of system, also known as […]

10 Reasons why training with balloons improves your volleyball practice

Balloons in a volleyball practice? It might sound like something you would only use in kindergarten, but don’t be fooled. Training with balloons is a surprisingly effective and versatile method to improve technique, court awareness, communication, and teamwork at any level of volleyball. Because the balloon behaves differently than a regular volleyball, it challenges players […]

Rotations in volleyball: A clear, coach-friendly guide for beginners

Rotations in volleyball are one of the fastest ways to give away free points. Not because your team lacks skill, but because the lineup is incorrect before the rally even starts. For beginner coaches, rotation is less about tactics and more about structure, clarity, and routine. This guide explains rotations in volleyball step by step. […]

Setting drills for beginners volleyball: 7 coach proven tips to teach clean hands fast

Setting is the skill that turns chaos into structure. For beginners, it is often the fastest way to build confidence, because a good set gives the hitter time and a clear ball to attack. Within the broader framework of volleyball fundamentals, setting is the link between passing and spiking. This blogs provides a practical list […]

How to dive in volleyball?

A volleyball dive is a defensive action where a player intentionally leaves the feet to reach a ball that cannot be played with normal movement. The objective is not to look spectacular, but to keep the rally alive while staying in control of your body. Good diving is about timing, technique, and safety. So you […]

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 […]

Butterfly drill volleyball: How it Works and why it works

At VolleyballXL, we understand how important speed, precision, and teamwork are in volleyball. That’s why we use the volleyball butterfly drill as a core part of our training: a dynamic exercise designed to improve passing, setting, and reaction speed for players at every level. In this guide, we explain exactly what the butterfly drill is, […]

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

How to practice volleyball 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 […]

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 […]