How to make your volleyball training really work

Preparation: work with a clear objective

A session without a goal often feels like a series of loose fragments. Always ask yourself beforehand: what do I want my players to learn or improve today?

• Technical goal: “Today we’re working on passing under pressure.”
• Tactical goal: “Players learn to recognise when the opponent plays a short ball.”
• Mental goal: “We practise positive coaching towards each other after every rally.”

With a clear objective you choose drills more purposefully and it’s easier to evaluate afterwards: did my players really learn something today?

Instruction: keep it short and punchy (Tell-Show-Do)

Players want to move, not listen to long speeches. So use Tell-Show-Do:

1. Tell: explain in a few sentences what to do and name 1–2 focus points.
2. Show: demonstrate it (yourself or have someone demonstrate).
3. Do: let the players start right away.

Example: For a passing drill: “We start in pairs. One tosses the ball up, the other passes it back.
Focus on: feet wide, low through the knees, arms still. Go!”

Does it run, does it work, does it engage, does it teach?

During the session, keep asking yourself these four questions and adjust on the fly:

• Runs? Is the organisation clear with minimal downtime?
  Example: Too few balls? Adjust the setup or create stations.
• Works? Can players perform the drill technically?
  Example: Have them toss in first instead of serving if it’s too hard.
• Engages? Is there energy and fun?
  Example: Add a competition: who gets the most quality passes in 60 seconds?
• Teaches? Does the drill serve your goal?
  Example: If your goal is “passing under pressure”, have servers aim between two passers.

10 rules of thumb for a successful practice

A volleyball session stands or falls with organisation. The better you set the conditions, the smoother it runs and the more players learn. These ten rules bring clarity, activity, and learning joy.

1. Make sure all equipment is ready to play (balls, cones, bands, nets) before the session starts.
   Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and ask a designated player to help set up.
2. Decide the minimum number of participants a drill needs to work.
   Example: Need 6 but only 4 show up? Switch to a 2v2 format.
3. Choose your own role for maximum impact in the game or drill.
   Choice: Step on court to control rhythm, or observe from the sideline for better coaching?
4. Line players up on court instead of explaining on the sideline.
   Why: A clear “start position” prevents queues and waiting.
5. State the main intent in 1–2 sentences before you start.
   Example: “Focus on the first contact and immediate transition to attack.”
6. Define the essential rules needed to begin right away.
   Example: “We play to 5, service errors count, new serve immediately after each rally.”
7. Start playing!
   Principle: Learning happens by doing; keep talk breaks ultra-short.
8. Pause briefly to add rules while the game is already running.
   Example: “From now on a point only counts after a forward defensive action.”
9. Use substitution rules so everyone stays active.
   Example: After every rally, one player per team rotates in; off court = swap.
10. Let the game do the work and coach one focus point per player or rally.
    Tip: Use short cue words like “low”, “still”, “angle”.

Practical example: “Passing under pressure” (15 min)

1. Organisation (1 min): Two half courts, 3 passers, 2 servers, 1 setter (or coach) per court; ball cart at the service line.
2. Instruction (45 sec): Tell–Show–Do: “Goal = first-ball control under pressure. Focus on: low base, fixed arm platform.”
3. Rule: Rally starts with a serve; 1 point for a perfect pass to the setter zone, 2 points for a point within 3 contacts.
4. If it doesn’t work (regression): Servers toss in instead of serving; then build up to a float serve.
5. If it’s too easy (progression): Serve targets (diagonal) or serve on command (“between two passers”).
6. Sub rule: After 5 rallies, passers rotate; keep the tempo high.
7. Coaching focus: One cue per player; teamwide: “first two steps fast, then fix the platform.”
8. Evaluation (1 min): “Does it run? Work? Engage? Teach?” – adjust tasks or lineup as needed.

In closing

A successful volleyball session isn’t only about good drills; it’s mainly about preparation, clear instruction, and smart organisation. By working with:

• a clear objective,
• the Tell–Show–Do principle,
• the check Does it run, does it work, does it engage, does it teach?,
• and the 10 rules of thumb,

you’ll ensure your training runs smoothly and is enjoyable and educational for every player.

Enjoy your training!