Volleyball Tip: Technique, Placement and Drills

A tip in volleyball is a controlled attacking technique where the player places the ball softly over, around or behind the block instead of hitting a full-power spike. The goal is to use touch, timing and placement to attack open space in the defense.

A good volleyball tip is not simply a weak attack. It is a deliberate attacking choice. The attacker recognizes where the blockers and defenders are positioned and places the ball where they are least able to reach it.

This guide explains how to tip a volleyball, how a tip differs from a roll shot and spike, where to place the ball, which mistakes to avoid, and how coaches can train tipping in realistic attacking situations.

To develop a more complete attack, also explore our guides to volleyball spiking, the volleyball roll shot, the volleyball approach, and our volleyball spiking drills.

What is a tip in volleyball?

A volleyball tip is a soft attacking shot used to place the ball into open space. Instead of using a full attacking swing and hitting through the ball, the player controls the contact and directs the ball over or around the block.

The technique is most effective when the defense expects a hard spike. If blockers jump high and backcourt defenders move deep, a well-placed tip can exploit the open space directly behind the block or between defenders.

Tipping is therefore both a technical and tactical attacking skill. The player needs good hand control, but also needs to recognize when the defense has created space for a soft attack.

Tip vs roll shot vs spike

A tip, roll shot and spike can all be used to score, but they rely on different types of contact and attacking intentions.

The main difference between a tip and a roll shot is the contact. A roll shot usually uses more of a normal attacking arm swing and creates topspin, while a tip uses a shorter and softer contact to redirect the ball.

How to tip a volleyball

A good tip starts with the same attacking preparation as a spike. The more similar the approach and jump look, the harder it is for defenders to predict the soft shot.

1. Use your normal approach: approach the set with the same rhythm and footwork used for a regular attack.
2. Jump as if you are going to spike: keep the block and defense committed to the possibility of a hard attack.
3. Reach high: contact the ball at a high point to give yourself more options around the block.
4. Use controlled hand contact: soften the contact instead of swinging through the ball with full power.
5. Direct the ball into open space: aim behind the block, into a seam or toward another uncovered area.
6. Keep the movement disguised: avoid showing the tip too early with a slow approach or obvious hand position.

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Volleyball tip contact and control

The most important part of tipping is controlling the ball without making the attack too easy to read. Players should reach high, stay balanced in the air and make a deliberate contact that directs the ball into a specific target area.

The exact hand contact can vary depending on the situation. Some tips use the fingertips to redirect the ball, while others use a more open-hand contact. The important point is that the contact remains controlled and intentional.

The player should avoid simply pushing an easy ball into the middle of the court. A successful tip needs enough control to reach an area where the defense has difficulty reacting.

When should you tip in volleyball?

A tip should be used because the defensive situation creates an opportunity. Players should avoid tipping automatically whenever the set is difficult or whenever they want to avoid hitting hard.

• When the block is fully committed: use the space directly behind the blockers.
• When defenders are positioned deep: place the ball short in front of them.
• When a defender leaves the middle open: use a controlled tip into the uncovered central area.
• When the block takes away your normal hitting angle: redirect the ball around the block instead of forcing the attack.
• When the set is tight to the net: a controlled tip can sometimes be a safer attacking solution than trying to swing fully.
• When you want to vary your attack: mixing power and touch makes your attack less predictable.

Where should you tip the ball?

The best place to tip depends on the position of the blockers and defenders. Players should understand the volleyball court zones and learn to recognize the spaces that become available during an attack.

Good attackers vary their tipping locations. If every tip lands directly behind the block, the defense can adjust quickly. Players should learn to recognize different open spaces rather than using one favorite target.

Reading the defense before a tip

Tipping becomes much more effective when the attacker reads the defense instead of deciding on the soft shot before the approach begins.

The attacker can observe the blocker, the depth of the backcourt defenders and the seams between defensive players. A defender who moves deep creates short space. A defender who moves forward may create room behind them.

This is why a good tip is closely connected to decision-making. The technique itself is relatively simple, but choosing the correct moment and target separates an effective attacking tip from an easy ball for the defense.

Common volleyball tipping mistakes

Most tipping mistakes happen because the attacker becomes predictable or focuses only on playing the ball softly instead of attacking a specific space.

• Showing the tip too early: slowing the approach or changing the arm position gives defenders time to move forward.
• Always tipping behind the block: defenders quickly learn where the ball is going. Use different target areas.
• Contacting the ball too low: a low contact point reduces the possible angles and makes the tip easier to defend.
• Playing the ball without a target: a random soft touch often becomes an easy defensive ball.
• Tipping too often: if the attacker rarely hits hard, defenders can start moving forward earlier.
• Deciding before reading the defense: the player may miss a better attacking option that becomes available during the approach.

How to teach tipping in volleyball

Coaches can teach tipping progressively. Begin with control and placement before adding a full approach, block and defense.

1. Start with controlled hand contact: players practice directing the ball into a target from close to the net.
2. Add different target zones: teach players to tip short, into the middle and toward the sidelines.
3. Add the attacking approach: players use normal attacking footwork before tipping.
4. Add a blocker: teach attackers to place the ball around or behind the block.
5. Add a defender: the attacker must identify the open area instead of using a predetermined target.
6. Combine spike, roll shot and tip: players choose the best attacking option from the same approach.

The final goal is not to create players who are good at tipping when the coach tells them to tip. The goal is to develop attackers who recognize when a tip is the correct solution during a rally.

Volleyball tip drills

Volleyball tip drills should combine ball control with decision-making. Players can first practice placement without pressure, but they should eventually learn to use the tip against a realistic block and defense.

When training tips, avoid rewarding the player simply because they used a soft attack. Reward the player when the tip was the correct attacking choice and was placed into a difficult area for the defense.

VolleyballXL has a large database of volleyball drills for different skills, positions and training goals. Below, we have selected a group of exercises that focus on attacking technique and hitting. These drills are ideal for integrating the volleyball tip, allowing players to practice touch, placement and shot selection within realistic attacking situations while also working on their approach, jump and overall attacking technique.

Shot!

• U18
• Seniors
• Aanvallen

Goal of the drill:
Learning to place an attack and improve roll shot technique

Explanation of the drill:
The player passes and sets the ball for themselves, then attempts to place the ball diagonally to the other player using a roll shot. If there are more than two players, switch positions after each action. With six or more players, have the player who attacked rotate to the opposite side.

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Mat 1

• U12
• U18
• Aanvallen

Goal of the drill:
Train stem step motion sequence

Explanation of the drill:
Stand an arm’s length from the mat. For right-handers, begin with a small left step just in front of the mat. Follow with a large, quick step across the mat, then perform a side step and jump. Repeat this drill several times.

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2 vs 2: receive-attack on position 5-6, defend on position 5 or 6

• U18
• Seniors
• Onderarms
• Aanvallen

Goal of the drill:
Training receive-attack on position 5-6, defend on position 5 or 6

Explanation of the drill:
The backcourt is divided into three zones. Team B has passers in positions 5 and 6. Position 1 does not participate in the play.

Team A has a setter (Str) at the net and a server (S).
Player S serves to one of the passers on team B (P5 or P6).
After the serve, player S selects a defensive position in the backcourt: V5 or V6.

The passer who does not receive the serve moves to the net and sets the ball on the 3-meter line to position A6. The passer who did receive the serve attacks toward the defensive position (V5 or V6) chosen by player S. If player S defends successfully, they receive a set from the setter (Str) on the 3-meter line and attack against player P5 or P6. The rally is played out. Team A becomes team B, team B becomes team R, and team R becomes team A.

Variation: King of the Court (court B).

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Smash Volley

• U12
• Onderarms
• Bovenhands
• Aanvallen

Goal of the drill:
Learning to set and perform attacks (smashes).

Explanation of the drill:
How to play:
Pass the ball that comes over the net. The second ball is caught and set overhead from a self-toss. The third ball is played over the net.

Court and players:
• Players: 3 vs 3
• Net height: 2.00 meters
• Court: 4.50 meters deep and 5.20 meters wide (inner lines of a badminton court)
• Match ball: 210–230 grams

Rules:

Every rally starts with an underhand serve by the player in the back-right position somewhere in the back half of the court.

The first ball is played (overhead pass or forearm pass), the second ball is caught and set, and the third ball goes over the net.
• Pass: Play the ball (overhead or forearm) to a teammate. Self-pass is no longer allowed.
• Set: Catch the ball, run forward, and within 3 seconds perform an overhead set from a self-tossed ball.
• Attack: The attacker may play the ball over the net in a volleyball-like manner: overhead, tip, smash, or forearm pass.

Three contacts must be made (a block touch does not count as a contact).

The team that wins the rally earns the serve.

If the serve changes to the other team after a point, the team that will serve must first rotate.

After three serves by the same player, the team must rotate.

A block does not count as a touch. Blocking the serve is not allowed.

A net fault is a double fault. No point is scored, and the rally is replayed.

A point is scored when:
• The ball lands on the opponent’s court.
• The opponent plays the ball out of bounds.
• The ball goes out of bounds after touching the opponent.
• A player contacts the ball twice in a row.
• Fewer than three contacts are made.

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Block Pepper Trio

• U18
• Seniors
• Aanvallen
• Blokkeren

Goal of the drill:
Increase reaction speed after an action

Explanation of the drill:
Three players engage in a pepper drill, with the setter positioned in the middle. After setting, the setter raises their hands as if to block. The opposing player spikes the ball over the setter’s head. The setter may attempt to block or deflect the ball. Both the attacker and the defender must remain vigilant and anticipate the ball’s unpredictable trajectory. After two to three minutes, the players rotate positions.

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Triple left

• U18
• Seniors
• Aanvallen

Goal of the drill:
Improve side-out, rally and takeover by diagonal player.

Explanation of the drill:
Arrange your team with the server positioned at the net (the opposing server on the other side will be substituted out), a defender at position 1, a middle attacker coming from the left front, and an outside attacker. The initial play involves the server sending the ball to the receiver, who then passes it to the outside attacker. The coach plays the second ball to the defender at position 1, who deflects it, allowing the server to target the middle attacker. For the third ball, the coach sends a high pass to the player at position 1, who then directs it to the outside, simulating a reception. Subsequently, the pass receiver transitions to the defender role at position 1, while the original position 1 player assumes a waiting stance. The middle attackers rotate after every three balls played.

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Tipping for different volleyball positions

Most front-row attackers can use a tip, but the situations and target areas differ depending on the player’s position.

Advanced volleyball tipping strategy

The most effective attackers make a tip look similar to their normal spike preparation. This forces the block and backcourt defense to respect the possibility of a hard attack.

During the approach, attackers can keep several options available:

• a hard cross-court spike;
• a hard line attack;
• a roll shot;
• a short tip;
• a deeper controlled tip;
• a shot off the block.

The attacker becomes more difficult to defend when all of these options begin from a similar approach and jump. The defense has less time to identify the final attacking choice.

Related volleyball guides

Tipping is one part of a complete attacking skill set. These guides help players and coaches connect soft attacks to spiking technique, placement and game situations.

Volleyball tip FAQ

Improve your volleyball tip

A good volleyball tip combines disguise, control and intelligent placement. The attacker should approach and jump with the intention of keeping multiple attacking options available, then use a soft contact when the defense leaves the right space open.

Begin by developing consistent hand control and target placement. Then add blockers and defenders so players learn to recognize when a tip is actually the best attacking solution.

Continue developing your attack with our volleyball roll shot guide, volleyball spiking guide, volleyball approach guide and our complete library of volleyball drills.

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