Top 10 Basic Skills of Volleyball You Need to Succeed as a Player
Winners never quit and quitters never win.
Vince Lombardi.
Source: Wolf Global.
Are you thinking about playing volleyball and would like to know about the basic skills of volleyball?
Do you want to get good at the fundamentals of the sport?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
We all heard it before and I also strongly believe that the key to success in sports is focusing and having a strong understanding on fundamentals. This applies to most individual/team sports and it’s so true for volleyball as well.
Most successful volleyball teams have one thing in common and that is, having a sound understanding on the basic skills of the sport. It allows them to succeed more often as a team.
In this post, I’ll talk in detail about the basic skills of volleyball.
Let’s dive in!
Did you know? The 2024 Paris Olympics witnessed France winning the gold medal beating Poland in Men’s volleyball and Italy beating the USA in women’s category. Interestingly, France defended the gold medal in men’s volleyball as they were the champions of the previous edition and in women’s volleyball, this is the first Olympic gold medal for Italy.
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Top 10 Basic Skills of Volleyball for Beginner Players
Passing
The first thing you need to get good at as a beginner volleyball player is passing.
Passing is one of the foundational skills in volleyball, often referred to as the “first touch after an opponent player makes contact on the ball when serving and it comes into your team’s half of the court.” This particular skill involves receiving the ball from a serve or an attack and directing it to the setter to initiate an offensive play.
The main goal is to control the ball and make it easier for your team to execute their next move.
Passing is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire play of a rally. A well-executed pass allows the setter to have multiple options for setting up the attack, giving the team a strategic advantage over their opponents. Without consistent passing, the team’s offense will be predictable and easier to defend against.
Here are the key points to remember when mastering your passing skills.
- Body position. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and weight balanced. This position gives you stability and allows for quick movement in any direction on the court.
- Create a solid platform with your forearms by bringing your hands together and keeping your elbows locked. This position will help direct the ball where you want it to go.
- Eye Contact on the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Anticipate where the ball will land and move towards that spot swiftly.
- Always communicate with your teammates. Let them know if you’re going for the ball, and be ready to adjust based on their positioning.
Serving
The next skill in our list that you need to get good at is serving.
Serving is the fundamental and necessary skill that starts each rally in a volleyball match. You need to strike the ball over the net into the opponent’s court, with the goal of making it difficult for them to return. A correctly executed serve has the ability to put the opposing team on the defensive right from the beginning.
Serving is critical because it’s the only skill in volleyball where the player has complete control over the play. A strong serve can create opportunities for your team to score a point, disrupting the opponent’s player formation, forcing a weak return or even earning a direct point through an ace. Mastering different types of serves adds variety to your game and keeps your opponents on their toes at all times.
- Various types of serves. Familiarize yourself with different serves performed in volleyball. Each has its own advantages/benefits and can be used strategically based on the situation of a match.
- Stance and grip. Stand with your non-dominant foot slightly forward, and hold the ball in your non-dominant hand. Your grip should be firm but relaxed to maintain control on the ball.
- A consistent toss is crucial for most serves performed in volleyball. In fact, this determines the overall impact and effectiveness of the serve.
Serve Receiving
If there’s one skill that’ll make you a better passer, then it’d undoubtedly be your effectiveness in serve receiving.
Serve receiving is the skill of handling the opponent’s serve and directing the ball to the setter efficiently. It’s a critical aspect of the game, as it sets the foundation for your team’s offensive play.
This particular skill is vital because it determines how effectively your team can transition from defense to offense. A strong serve receive allows your setter to make precise sets, giving your attackers the best opportunity to score. On the flip side, a poor serve receive will limit your team’s offensive options and give the opposing team an advantage.
Here are some crucial points to remember when serve receiving in volleyball.
- Positioning yourself. This is critical. Position yourself with knees slightly bent forward, weight on your feet, keeping them firm yet relaxed and arms ready to form a platform. Stay low and balanced to move quickly in any direction of the court.
- Reading the server. Watch the server’s body language and approach to anticipate the type of serve they’ll deliver. This helps you position yourself more effectively to receive it.
- A correct platform. Create a strong platform by keeping your forearms together, elbows locked and wrists straight. Direct the ball towards the setter with a controlled pass.
- Quick, precise footwork is essential. Move to the ball with short, efficient steps, ensuring you’re in the right position before making contact on the ball.
- Effective communication with teammates is essential. Call out ‘mine’ if you’re going for the ball, or direct your teammates to adjust their positions based on the serve.
- Focus and patience. Stay focused and patient when you are receiving a serve. Avoid overreacting to tricky serves; instead, maintain your form and rely on your technique to make a clean pass.
Setting
The skill that everyone must know in a volleyball team is setting. Why? Because at some point of a volleyball match, you’d have to set the ball to the hitter in your team and knowing this skill is essential to execute it effectively.
Setting is the skill of delivering the ball to a hitter in a precise manner, typically after receiving a pass. The setter is often considered the playmaker of the team, as their ability to deliver accurate and well-timed sets is crucial for performing successful attacks.
Setting is critical because it directly influences the effectiveness of the team’s offense. A good setter can make quick decisions, adapt to various situations of a match, and provide hitters with the best opportunities to score. The ability to set consistently and accurately under pressure could be the difference between a well-coordinated attack and a lost point during close finishes.
- Hand position. Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers, keeping your hands above your forehead. This position helps you control the ball and direct it accurately to the hitter in your team.
- Always face the opponent’s court with your feet shoulder-width apart. Use quick, small steps to position yourself under the ball, ensuring you’re balanced and ready to set.
- Soft touch. Use your fingertips to gently push the ball upward. Avoid using your palms or hitting the ball too hard, as this will result in an inaccurate set.
- Body alignment. Keep your body aligned with the target and that’s usually the hitter. Your hips and shoulders should face the direction where you want the ball to go.
- Timing is everything in setting. Wait for the ball to come to your hands, then push through it with a smooth, upward motion. The ball should leave your hands quickly to avoid being called for a ‘lift’ or ‘double contact’.
- Decision-making. A good setter knows when to set the ball high, low, or quick, depending on the situation of a match. This decision-making ability helps keep the opponent’s blockers off-balance.
Spiking
Spiking, also known as attacking, is the action of forcefully hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court. It’s often the most dynamic and powerful play in volleyball, designed to end the rally by scoring a point directly.
The person who spikes/attacks the ball is called the spiker/attacker in volleyball.
The effectiveness of spiking is very important for a team. It’s the primary method of attack for scoring points. A strong, well-placed spike will overwhelm the opponent’s defense, making it difficult for them to return the ball. Skilled spikers not only bring power to their attacks but also precision, hitting the ball into areas where the opposing team is least prepared.
- Start with a quick, 3/4 step approach to generate momentum. The last two steps should be fast and explosive, allowing you to jump high and make powerful contact on the ball.
- Arm swing. As you take your final step, draw your hitting arm back and your non-hitting arm forward for balance. This helps generate maximum power on your spikes.
- Jump: Jump off both feet, keeping your body straight and reaching as high as possible. Your non-hitting hand should be up to help guide your body.
- Contact point for your spike. Hit the ball at the highest point of your jump, striking it with an open fist. Aim to make contact with the center of the ball, slightly in front of your body to direct it downward.
- Follow through. After contacting the ball, follow through with your arm in a downward motion. This not only adds power but also helps you control the ball’s direction.
- While power is important, placement is key. Aim for open spots on the court, like the corners or the back row to increase the chances of scoring.
Hitting
For the outsiders, hitting and spiking can look like a similar thing. But they aren’t actually the same.
Hitting in volleyball refers to the action of striking the ball with the intention of scoring a point by sending it over the net into the opponent’s court. It’s a broader term that encompasses different types of offensive strikes, including spiking, tipping and off-speed spikes.
Hitting is an essential aspect of volleyball. It allows players to attack the opponent’s defense in various ways. A versatile hitter can adapt to different situations of a match, whether by delivering a powerful spike, a well-placed tip or a deceptive off-speed spike. This versatility keeps the opposing team on their toes and increases your team’s chances of scoring points.
Here are some critical points to keep in mind when performing a hit.
- Position yourself properly. This is necessary. Position yourself behind the ball, ensuring you have enough space to make a full swing. Adjust your approach based on the situation to be in the optimal position for hitting.
- Use a consistent approach, typically a three-step or four-step sequence, to build momentum.
- Timing and contact. Strike the ball at the highest point of your jump, with an open fist and fingers spread. Aim to hit the ball slightly in front of your body to direct it over the net and in the direction you want it to go.
- Variety of hits. Learn to mix up your hits by incorporating power spikes, soft tips and off-speed spikes. This variety makes it harder for the opponent to anticipate and defend against your attacks.
- Court Awareness at all times. Always be aware of the opponent’s defensive positions on the court. Target open spaces or weaker defenders to maximize the effectiveness of your hits.
Blocking
It is one of the core basic skills of volleyball.
Blocking is the act of preventing the ball from crossing the net by using your hands and arms to deflect or stop an opponent’s attack. It’s the first line of defense in volleyball and plays a crucial role in protecting your court from powerful spikes and attacks.
Blocking is vital because it can turn the momentum of the match in your team’s favor. A successful block can result in an immediate point or force the opponent to alter their attacking strategy. Effective blocking not only stops the ball but also limits the opponent’s offensive options, making it harder for them to score points.
Here are some key points to consider when performing a block.
- Positioning yourself. Stand close to the net with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and weight balanced on the back heals of your feet. This stance allows for quick lateral movement on the court.
- Timing is critical in blocking. Watch the opponent setter and the hitter to anticipate when and where the attack will come. Jump just as the hitter is about to strike the ball to meet it.
- Placement of your hand. Extend your arms straight up with your fingers spread wide, and angle your hands slightly over the net. This positioning helps to direct the ball back into the opponent’s court.
- Use quick, lateral steps to align yourself with the hitter. Proper footwork ensures that you are in the right place to make an effective block.
- Reading the opponent team’s Hitters. Observe the body language of the opponent team’s hitter’s and approach to predict the direction and type of attack. This awareness helps you position your block more effectively.
- Communication on the court. Work closely with your teammates, especially the other blockers and back-row defenders. Communicate about who is blocking which hitter and adjust based on the opponent’s strategies.
- The importance of recovery. After a block attempt, be ready to land and quickly prepare for the next play, whether it’s transitioning to another block or getting ready for a defensive move.
Digging
Digging is the primary defensive skill of preventing the ball from hitting the floor after an opponent’s attack, usually a spike or a hit. It involves quickly reacting to a hard-hit ball and using your forearms/palm or sometimes even one hand to keep the ball in play.
Having digging skills is essential as a volleyball player. It’s often the last opportunity to save the point after a powerful attack. A successful dig can not only keep the rally alive but also set up a counter-attack for your team. Great digging would demoralize the opposing team and shift the momentum in your team’s favor.
- Position yourself properly. Stay low with your knees bent, weight forward, and arms out in front, ready to react quickly. This position helps you move efficiently in any direction of the court.
- Placing your hands and arms perfectly. Keep your hands together with thumbs parallel, creating a flat surface with your forearms. This ‘platform’ is critical for controlling and directing the ball.
- Anticipating and reacting. Anticipate where the ball will go by reading the hitter’s body language. React quickly, but stay calm to ensure a controlled dig.
- Use quick, small steps to position yourself under the ball. Your goal is to be balanced and stable when making contact.
- Body movement. When digging a ball close to the floor, lower your body by bending your knees, not by bending at the waist. This keeps you in control and ready to get up and move for the next play.
- Controlled contact on the ball. Absorb the impact of the ball with your forearms, using a soft touch approach. The goal is to deflect the ball upward with enough height and accuracy to allow your teammates in setting up the next play.
- Communication when digging. Always communicate with your teammates about who is going for the ball. Clear communication helps avoid confusion.
Communication on the Court
Communication on the court is all about verbal and non-verbal cues that players use to coordinate their actions during a volleyball match. This includes calling out plays, alerting teammates to the ball’s position and providing encouragement to maintain the overall morale of the team.
Communication is absolutely important in volleyball because it ensures that all players are aware of what’s happening on the court and can react accordingly. Good communication helps avoid confusion, prevents errors such as two players going for the same ball and enhances overall team cohesion/cooperation. It also fosters a supportive atmosphere where players can rely on each other, which is crucial during high-pressure situations of a match.
Key points on communicating in volleyball.
- Calling the ball. Clearly call ‘mine’ or ‘got it’ when you’re going for the ball. This prevents collisions and ensures that the ball is played effectively.
- Directing plays. Use specific terms to guide your teammates, such as ‘short,’ ‘deep’ or ‘over’ to indicate the ball’s trajectory, and ‘outside,’ ‘middle’ or ‘back’ to indicate where the set should go.
- Non-verbal cues. Use hand signals or body language to communicate with teammates when verbal cues aren’t possible. For example, a setter might use hand signals to indicate the type of set they are planning.
- Encouragement and support. Positive reinforcement, such as cheering for a good play or encouraging a teammate after a mistake, keeps the team’s overall energy and confidence high.
- Pre-game and in-game huddles. Use these moments to discuss strategies, share observations about the opponent and keep everyone focused on the game plan.
- Effective communication on the court isn’t just about speaking. It’s also about listening to your teammates and responding appropriately. Be attentive to what others are saying and adjust your actions accordingly.
- Staying positive. Maintain a positive tone, even in challenging situations. Constructive communication helps immensely in so many ways.
How Coachable You are as a Volleyball Player
Being coachable means being open to learning, accepting feedback and consistently striving to improve. A coachable player listens attentively, respects their coach’s guidance and implements the advice/instructions given to enhance their performance on the court.
Being coachable must be a predominant character because it directly impacts your development as a volleyball player. A coachable athlete is more likely to progress, overcome challenges and reach their full potential. This quality also makes you a valuable team member, as you regularly contribute to the overall improvement and success of the team.
- Active listening. Pay close attention when your coach speaks, and ask questions if you need clarification. This shows you value their input and are eager to learn.
- Positive attitude. Approach feedback with a positive mindset, even if it’s constructive criticism. Understand that feedback is meant to help you grow as a player.
- Apply what you learn. Take what your coach teaches you and put it into practice during training sessions. Consistent application is key to improvement and perfect execution in critical match situations.
- Self-reflection. Regularly assess your own performance and be honest about areas where you need improvement. This self-awareness is crucial for continuous growth.
- Respect and trust. Show respect for your coach’s experience and trust their guidance/decisions. A strong coach-player relationship is built on mutual respect and trust.
FAQs on the Top 10 Basic Skills of Volleyball for Beginner Players
How to Be Better at the Basic Skills of Volleyball?
To be better at the basic skills of volleyball, focus on consistent practice, listen to feedback from your team coach and work on mastering each skill individually. Stay disciplined, maintain a positive attitude and always seek to improve.
How is Repetition Key in Getting Good at the Basic Skills of Volleyball?
Repetition is key in getting good at the basic skills of volleyball. It helps build muscle memory, improves consistency and increases confidence in executing your skills during a match. Through repeated practice, movements become instinctive, allowing players to perform under pressure and refine their techniques for greater precision and effectiveness on the court.
What are the Key Points to Remember When Learning the Basic Skills of Volleyball?
When learning the basic skills of volleyball, focus on consistent practice and staying coachable as a player. Remember, patience and persistence are essential to mastering each skill and becoming a well-rounded player.
Conclusion
Few! You’ve just completed reading a truly comprehensive guide on the basic skills of volleyball.
There’s no doubt that you’ll take time to get good at each one of these skills, so the best thing you can do is to practice one at a time.
That way, you can understand every skill efficiently.
I am confidently hopeful that you now have a clear idea on the basic skills of volleyball and how to get good at each one.
What are your thoughts about this guide?
Share them away in the comments section below!
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LET’S BE SOCIAL!
great artical
Hi thinkskyless, thank you very much!
There are some very helpful tips here that I’ll be sharing with our eldest daughter! She has only played for a few years so I think she will benefit from your post!
Hi Cathy, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Very happy to know that your eldest daughter played volleyball for few years.
I appreciate you sharing these volleyball basic skills.
Hi Jojo Reyes Jr, thank you very much!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and I agree as it’s a team sport that physical aspect is very important but so is communication with other players
Laura x
Hi Laura Side Street, thanks for your comment. Glad you found these tips helpful.
I was a member of the volleyball team in my home term. I can appreciate these volleyball ball tips. I believe serving is the basic foundation of volleyball. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kevin Foodie, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful and I totally agree that serving is the must know basic skill in volleyball.
I really enjoyed this post. Playing volleyball at school, I would love to have had these tips then. Now, they can serve others.
Hi Celebrate Woman Today, thanks for your comment. Glad you found these tips helpful for volleyball players. Very happy to know that you played volleyball during your school days.
This guide on volleyball basics is fantastic! It’s perfect for beginners looking to improve their skills and understanding.
Hi Lavanda, thank you very much! Glad you found these tips helpful for beginner volleyball players.
Great breakdown of volleyball basics! Your tips on essential skills are super helpful for both beginners and those looking to improve. Thanks for the clear and concise guide!
Hi Lavanda, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
Great overview! Mastering these basic volleyball skills is key to becoming a successful player. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
That’s where it begins – with the basic skills that lay a solid foundation to build and grow on. Awesome post.
Hi Celebrate Woman Today, thank you very much!
I have never once thought about this. Thank you for sharing this info.
Hi Paula Montgomery, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
Great breakdown of the essential volleyball skills! I found the section on proper footwork particularly useful—it’s something that can easily be overlooked but makes such a difference in performance.
Hi Jais, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. I totally agree with your point regarding footwork!
I’ve been playing volleyball once in a while (not professional) and never had a chance to look at all the basic skills needed. This is very informative and I can definitely apply these next time I play. Thank you!
Hi Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Very happy to know that you are playing volleyball regularly.
As someone who hasn’t played volleyball before this is such an interesting post. Thanks for sharing to help us newbies to the sport x
Hi Rhian Scammell, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
This is such a helpful post! Mastering these basics is key for any volleyball beginner.
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thank you so much!
I hadn’t realised there was so many skills involved in volleyball! I’m going to enjoy getting started and trying something new
Hi Mid Life Loves, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Very happy to know that you are going to start playing volleyball. All the best!
It’s so important to understand the basics of any sport. Great post for those wanting to start the sport.
Hi Tammy, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. I completely agree~!
I’m sure a lot of aspiring volleyball players will find this article really helpful! So cool reading about the basic moves!
Hi Tammy, thank you very much!
This is amazing! I heard of some of these skills and tactics but never heard of Digging. This is very interesting. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Karen, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
What a great post for anyone that loves the sport of Volleyball. There is so much to learn and I will share with my daughter as her best friend plays in college.
Hi Melissa Cushing, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Very happy to know that your daughter’s best friend plays volleyball. Convey my best wishes to her!
It is so important to understand the basics especially if you are looking to get into volleyball! Thank you for the informative article.
Hi Jupiter Hadley, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Getting the basics right before playing any sport is crucial.
I love this post! There are so many kids out there who want to start volleyball, and their parents have zero idea about anything involving the sport. This is great for both of them.
Hi Ben, thank you so very much for your encouraging comment. Glad you found this post helpful for both beginner volleyball players and their parents.
This is a great guide for anyone new to volleyball. I love watching it, but I don’t really understand all the parts of it. Thanks!
Hi Beth, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. Very happy to know that you love watching volleyball matches.
I appreciate the detailed guide on the basic skills of volleyball and how to improve at each one. This overview provides a comprehensive and informative look at the key fundamentals of the sport. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Anthuwin Cupido, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this guide helpful for beginner volleyball players.
This is an essential post for anyone wanting to take up the game. Knowing all the terms and skills before starting out gives you a head start on the court
Hi Zena, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
What a great post, I did not know all the moves you have mentioned but now feel confident to know what I am watching and what moves the players are making when watching
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.