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 to engaging your players, these tips will ensure your sessions are not only educational but also enjoyable!

Earlier, we also wrote a blog about the 6 basic skills every volleyball coach should master, which complements these tips and provides further guidance for building your coaching skills.

1. Set a goal

Before you start training, it’s important to set clear goals. What do you want your players to be able to do by the end of the season? Do you want to improve technical skills, enhance team dynamics, or increase physical fitness? By setting a clear goal, you can work more purposefully and stay motivated.

2. Know what you want to train, make a plan

Look at the level of your players and determine what you want to train. Is there a need to improve, for example, serving technique, defense, or teamwork? Then make a detailed plan that focuses on the desired outcomes. By preparing the training well, you use your time effectively.

3. Adjust the training level to your players

It’s essential to adapt the ejercicios and the pace of the training to the level of your players. Don’t start too advanced, and avoid planning exercises that your team is not ready for. It’s important to build up the training gradually.

4. Break your training into segments

An effective training session consists of different phases. Start with a good warm-up, followed by two core segments where you train the key skills. End the training with a concluding activity that keeps the focus and ensures a positive finish. This structure maintains focus throughout the session.

5. Break down big techniques

A tip to make things easier is to break down the “big” técnicas like overhand pasando por, underhand receiving, sirviendo a, attacking, and blocking. Choose to train a small part of the technique at a time. This makes it easier for your players to improve step by step and master complex techniques.

6. If an drill isn’t working, step back

If an drill isn’t going well, don’t be afraid to take a step back. Lower the difficulty of the drill or adjust it so players don’t get discouraged. For example, if a player is struggling to set after an attack, simplify the drill to increase success.

7. Get to know your players

Trust is crucial for a successful coach-player relationship. The first contact often sets the tone for the rest of the interaction. Take the time to get to know your players both on and off the field. This improves communication and helps you respond effectively to their needs.

8. Make sure to have fun

Fun should be the foundation of your training. When your players feel comfortable and enjoy themselves, they’ll be more likely to return for the next session. Create an environment where they can express themselves and make mistakes, as this fosters a positive and motivating experience.  Looking for fun drills for your colocador, libero, midde blocker or to specifically train serving, excavando, or ataque? Get inspired by the exercises from VolleyballXL!

sub12, sub18, sub6, Seniors

Escucho los colores

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Sub-18, Mayores

De plancha a flexión

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9. Reward your players

Everyone likes to be recognized. Reward your players for their effort and progress. This could range from a compliment to a small prize for the best performance. It helps keep players motivated and reinforces the feeling of achievement and success within the team.

10. Stop with vague talk

Vague instructions can be confusing for players. Instead of using general terms like “be looser,” give detailed and concrete feedback. For example, say: “Try bending your knees a bit more and keep your hands above your shoulders.” Clarity helps players understand exactly what they need to improve.

11. Bonus tip: What do your players want to do?

Sometimes it is simple: ask your players what they want to do. What do they enjoy? What do they need to work on to develop further? By being open to their ideas, you create more engagement and get valuable input for the training. This also strengthens team dynamics.

Organizing structured and motivating training sessions can sometimes be a challenge, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make a real difference. VolleyballXL helps you plan your training and offers a wide range of fun exercises that you can use directly. Whether you’re looking for exercises for technical skills or team building, VolleyballXL helps you create every session tailored to your team’s needs!