Volleyball communication drills

Are balls not being called? Is there confusion about who does what? Do your players seem out of sync during rallies? If so, it’s time to start training team communication more intentionally.

At VolleyballXL, we’ve developed a range of fun and effective drills to help improve your team’s communication. These volleyball communication drills are designed specifically for coaches who want to build a close-knit team that plays with flow and understands each other on the court.

u18, Seniors

Pass, Set & Attack Cross Part 1

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u12, u18, u6, Seniors

Show your colours

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u18, Seniors

Attacking

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u12, u18, Seniors

All in one

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u18, Seniors

Two three-ball

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u18, Seniors

Down & Back

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On the VolleyballXL platform, you’ll find all drills clearly laid out. Each one comes with a short video, giving you a direct look at how to apply it in your own training. The focus? Clear agreements, verbal and non-verbal communication, and building trust between players.

Tips & Tricks

For beginner teams:

Start with simple drills where communication is mandatory (e.g., always calling “mine”).
Set fixed communication agreements per position, so everyone knows what’s expected.
Work in small groups or pairs to lower the threshold and allow for repetition.
Reward good communication with positive feedback or points in game-like settings.

For advanced players:

Train non-verbal cues like eye contact, body posture, and positioning.
Add pressure to the drills (faster pace, extra tasks) to simulate match conditions.
Encourage players to make their own agreements and give each other feedback.
Rotate roles and positions more often so everyone learns to communicate from different perspectives.

Common communication mistakes in teams

In many teams, communication breaks down at familiar moments. By identifying these mistakes and addressing them in training, you make communication a natural part of the game. Awareness is the first step toward improvement. Common situations include:

No one calls for a short or high ball
Confusion about who should take the ball
Only the setter or libero communicates actively
Unclear agreements during serve reception or rotations
Lack of coaching between rallies or during time-outs

The psychology behind effective team communication

On-court communication isn’t just about tactics or technique—it’s deeply connected to team dynamics and player confidence. Many players hesitate to speak up because they’re afraid of making mistakes or being judged by teammates. Others may simply be unsure of what’s expected of them in different situations. A lack of leadership, unspoken team hierarchies, or low trust can also lead to silence at key moments. As a coach, it’s important to recognize these psychological barriers and create a safe, supportive environment where communication is encouraged, mistakes are accepted as part of the learning process, and players feel empowered to speak up.

Coach’s Checklist: How’s your volleyball team communicating?

A simple checklist can help you make communication a consistent part of your training sessions. Ask yourself the following questions regularly:

Is communication included in every practice?
Do my players have clear calling rules per position?
Am I encouraging the use of non-verbal cues?
Do I reward good communication with feedback or praise?
Do I create moments for players to make agreements or reflect?

Frequently asked questions about communication in volleyball

How can I improve communication within my volleyball team?

It all starts with awareness. By regularly training communication – for example, by calling every action, aligning responsibilities, and actively supporting one another – it becomes a natural part of the game. The drills on VolleyballXL are designed to help you integrate this into your training routine.

What are effective drills for team communication?

There are several drills you can use, depending on your team’s level. Think of exercises where players are required to communicate before every action, or where collaboration is key. On our landing page, you’ll find practical examples explained in clear videos.

How can I help my team call the ball more during matches?

By creating a safe training environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Make communication a standard part of your warm-up and game-like drills, and reward clear communication with positive feedback. With our drills, calling the ball becomes second nature.

Which drills help with positioning and coordination on the court?

Drills that force players to react quickly – such as defense or rally-focused exercises – are perfect for sharpening court awareness and role clarity. At VolleyballXL, we show you how to make this both fun and educational.

How to avoid miscommunication in volleyball?

Miscommunication can be minimized by creating clear agreements within the team and practicing them consistently. Make sure every player knows their role in each situation and encourage constant communication—both verbal and non-verbal. Use drills that simulate game-like pressure, where quick decisions and clear signals are crucial. Repeating these situations in training builds confidence and mutual understanding, which reduces mistakes during matches. The drills on VolleyballXL are specifically designed to help teams improve in exactly these areas.

How to communicate as a setter?

As a setter, you are the playmaker and communication hub of the team. Clear and consistent communication is essential—both before and during the rally. Let your teammates know what play is coming, use eye contact and hand signals to guide hitters, and give verbal cues to manage tempo or adjust positioning. Between rallies, check in with your hitters about timing and preferences. A good setter leads by example: being vocal, confident, and responsive builds trust and helps the entire team stay aligned. Want to train this? VolleyballXL offers drills that strengthen the setter’s communication skills in realistic game scenarios. Read also our blog with tips for you as a setter.