The first contact in volleyball, the pass, is by far the most critical if a team is striving to play at a high level. Even at the beginner level, it's important for coaches to give their players many repetitions practicing proper technique. There are three common bad passing habits that will hinder an athlete's ability to pass consistently to the target:
1. Reach platform to the ball instead of move feet to the ball
A. Rolls. One partner sitting on floor with legs spread. The second partner is in ready passing position and starts at end of the partner on the floors foot. The partner on the floor rolls the ball fast down her leg. Once she gets the ball back, she rolls the ball down her other leg, forcing he partner making who is in passing position to shuffle.
B. Scoops. Same drill, but partner on the floor is now standing.
C. Corners
D. Leg Bounce. Coach enters ball from a toss or serve and ball has to bounce thru the player's legs.
E. Band Passing. Use green elastic band around ankles forcing kids to shuffle and stay on feet when they move to pass the ball. Start with short distance and progress to cover more ground.
F. Knee pad touch drill.
2. Swinging at the ball
Drills:
A. Partner knee passing. Emphasize platform staying over top of knee
B. Belly Bump. Put ball under shirt forcing the platform to stay out and away from the body.
C. Side to Side Short
D. Lanes Narrow
E. Lane Narrow with Tilt
F. Lanes Wide with Tilt
G. Shuffle Passing
3. Bad Posture
Drills:
A. Towel or dot placed on the back of a player while passing. Cannot let is fall off, especially when moving backwards to pass the ball.
B. Russian Drill
C. Antenna. Hold antenna or noddle at head height in front of passer, just off to the wide, so they can use the height of the antenna as a visual to keep head in the same place once the ball is served
It's important for coaches to reinforce that your players execute proper technique through repetition. Improper technique will create bad habits. By giving your players a lot of touches on the ball with proper technique, you are giving them a better chance of creating and maintaining good habits when passing the volleyball. It's as easy as that!
The JVA is an association of Junior Club Directors and Coaches who are dedicated to all facets of junior volleyball and have a desire to offer the best programming possible to their members. We are the leaders and forward thinkers in Junior Volleyball Programs and we are a voice for junior clubs. Our number one goal is to help club programs and events thrive.