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 session should work toward something. Ask yourself: what do I want to achieve this season? Do you want to improve your attacking game? Strengthen the defense? Or focus on team dynamics? Without clear objectives, your sessions will become a random collection of drills. A structured training plan helps you work toward long-term progress.

Consider level and age

A team of 12-year-old beginners needs something completely different than a senior team playing second division. Consider motor skills, load capacity, and mental resilience. Tailor your exercises accordingly. Also, make sure there’s enough variety – especially for youth teams. No player improves from six weeks of the same drill.

Plan and periodize

A season is long. You can’t train at full intensity every week. Build your program in phases: a build-up period, a peak phase around key matches, and moments of recovery. This is called periodization, and it’s what separates teams that peak at the right time from those burning out by December.

Practical matters: drills, time, and equipment

Time and resources are limited. Know how many balls, nets, and space you have, and adapt your exercises accordingly. Repetition is important, but variation keeps players engaged. Mix technique drills with game-like situations and competitive elements to keep the energy high.

VolleyballXL can support you

When setting up my own training programs, I often use the tools provided by VolleyballXL. Our platform offers hundreds of volleyball drills with clear visuals that show exactly how to explain or build them up. You can also create your own training plans using their easy-to-use planner, helping you stay organized and purposeful.

u12

Trixter Triumpf #1 a Control Challenge

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u18, Seniors

Pass, Set & Attack Cross Part 1

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u12, u6

Being fast

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u18, Seniors

Suprise

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Be flexible

No program is set in stone. Don’t be afraid to adjust if things change. An unexpected injury, faster (or slower) learning progress than expected – it happens. A good coach adapts.

Concrete tips for a strong training program

Want to get started right away? Here are a few practical tips I use myself:

• Use themed weeks. For example, dedicate one week entirely to passing and serve reception, the next to attacking. It keeps your focus sharp and your sessions connected.
• Plan ahead. Use a basic Excel sheet or – even better – the VolleyballXL planner to keep track of your training blocks.
• Incorporate visuals. Show players how a technique should look. Visualization is a powerful tool, especially for younger players. VolleyballXL offers a rich library of drills with video examples.
• Ask for feedback. What did players think of the session? Was it too hard or too easy? Their input helps you improve your program continuously.
• Include progress checks. Once a month, test something: vertical jump, sprint time, or a drill with scoring. It shows improvement and motivates your team.

With these tools in hand, you’re laying the foundation for a season full of growth and fun. And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. With VolleyballXL, you’ve got a training partner in your pocket.