5 Essential Volleyball Drills to Level Up Your Game

Whether you’re stepping onto the court for your first match or preparing for your next big tournament, consistent practice is the key to becoming a standout volleyball player. At Phoenix Volleyball, we’re all about helping players rise to their potential—and that starts with strong fundamentals.

Here are 5 powerful volleyball drills that every player should add to their training routine, designed to build confidence, improve technique, and prepare you for real-game intensity.

1. 🎯 Serving Drill – Target Zone Accuracy

Goal: Improve serve placement and consistency

How it works:
Mark four zones on the opponent’s side of the court (corners and deep-middle). Try to serve 10 balls into each zone, tracking your accuracy.

Why it matters:
A well-placed serve can break an opponent’s formation and win easy points. Practicing serve zones teaches control under pressure and builds muscle memory.

🔁 Variation: Add a time limit or a score penalty for missed targets to simulate in-game pressure.

2. ✋ Passing Drill – Partner Pepper or Wall Passes

Goal: Improve control and first contact

How it works:
Work with a partner to “pepper” — a continuous drill of bump-set-hit. If you don’t have a partner, pass to a wall and focus on keeping the ball at a consistent height and angle.

Why it matters:
Passing is the foundation of any good rally. This drill builds forearm control and reaction time while helping you develop soft hands.

🏐 Pro tip: Use the Phoenix Volleyball Competition Ball for realistic bounce and feel—train the way you play.

3. ⛔ Blocking Drill – Jump Timing & Hand Positioning

Goal: Sharpen timing and increase successful blocks

How it works:
Stand at the net while a teammate tosses a ball to simulate a hitter’s approach. Time your jump to “block” the imaginary hit, focusing on keeping hands over the net and penetrating forward.

Why it matters:
Blocking isn’t just about height—it’s about timing and position. This drill helps front-row players anticipate and shut down attacks.

🔥 Add challenge: Have the tosser vary the speed and direction to simulate real hits.

4. 💥 Hitting Drill – 3-Step Approach & Spike Control

Goal: Improve hitting form, accuracy, and power

How it works:
Start at the attack line. Practice your 3-step or 4-step approach without hitting a ball at first—focus on rhythm. Then add a toss and spike into a target zone or against a wall mat.

Why it matters:
A strong approach creates more powerful and controlled attacks. This drill builds muscle memory and sharpens your vertical.

🎯 Bonus tip: Record yourself to refine your arm swing and approach angles.

5. 🏃 Conditioning Drill – Court Sprint Circuit

Goal: Increase endurance and agility

How it works:
Set up cones or markers at key court positions (corners, center, net). Sprint between them in intervals—e.g., base to net, side to side, back to front—repeat for 5–10 sets.

Why it matters:
Volleyball is fast-paced. This drill builds stamina, reaction time, and footwork—so you stay sharp, even in long rallies or fifth sets.

🧠 Pro move: Add a volleyball movement (e.g., shuffle + dive) to increase sport-specific conditioning.