Top 10 Drills to Practice for Your Next Volleyball Tryouts

Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.

Magic Johnson

Source: Strength and Power for Volleyball.

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What drills to practice for your next volleyball tryouts?

Do you want to understand how to master each drill to increase your chances of getting into a team?

Keep reading till the end to find all the details!

Attending a tryout is the crucial face of a volleyball player’s playing journey. So knowing what drills to get good at before your next volleyball tryouts is pretty critical.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the drills to practice for your next volleyball tryouts and how to master each one with practical tips.

Let’s get started. Shall we?

Did you know that the main purpose of volleyball drills is to train players so their movements become automatic under pressure? When the same moves are repeated in practice, players can react faster during real match situations without needing to think about every step.

Volleyball Drills to Practice for Your Next Tryouts

Serving Accuracy Drill to Impress Coaches During Tryouts

Serving is one of the first skills coaches evaluate during volleyball tryouts. A strong and accurate serve can immediately show that you are confident, disciplined and capable of putting pressure on the opposing team.

• One effective drill to improve this skill is the serving accuracy drill. To begin, divide the opposite court into different target zones using cones, tape or markers. These zones may include the deep corners, the sidelines or the center back area. The goal of the drill is to consistently place your serve into a chosen target zone.
• Start by performing 10–15 serves while aiming at a specific area of the court. Focus on maintaining proper serving technique, including a controlled toss, balanced body position and a smooth arm swing. After each set of serves, switch to a different target zone and repeat the process.
• This drill helps players develop better control, consistency and strategic serving, which are all qualities coaches appreciate during tryouts. Instead of simply serving the ball over the net, players learn how to place their serves in areas that are more difficult for opponents to receive.

Practicing this drill regularly can also build confidence under pressure.

When you step onto the court during a tryout, your ability to deliver accurate and controlled serves will make a strong first impression on the coaching staff.

Passing and Ball Control Drill for Consistent First Touch

A consistent first touch is one of the most important skills coaches look for during volleyball tryouts. Good passing allows the team to run organized plays and makes it easier for the setter to place the ball accurately for attackers.

• A simple but effective drill to improve this skill is the passing and ball control drill. In this drill, players work in pairs or small groups. One player starts by tossing or lightly serving the ball toward the passer, who must receive it using proper forearm passing technique.
• The passer should focus on maintaining a low and balanced stance, keeping their arms straight and forming a stable passing platform with their forearms. The goal is to control the ball and direct it toward a target area, usually where a setter would normally stand on the court.
• To make the drill more challenging, players can increase the speed or distance of the toss or serve. Another variation is to aim for a specific target, such as a hoop, cone or marked area on the court. This encourages greater precision and control.

Practicing this drill regularly helps players develop better ball control, consistency and confidence in their passing.

During tryouts, players who can deliver a clean and reliable first pass often stand out because they make it easier for the entire team to run effective offensive plays.

Precise Setting Drill to Improve Your Ball Placement

Setting is a key skill that helps create strong attacking opportunities for a team. During volleyball tryouts, coaches often look for players who can deliver accurate and controlled sets that allow hitters to perform their attacks effectively.

• A helpful way to improve this skill is through a precise setting drill. In this drill, players practice setting the ball toward a specific target area on the court. This target may represent the position where a hitter would normally approach for an attack.
• Start by standing a few feet away from a partner or a wall. The ball can be tossed to the setter, who must position themselves under the ball and perform a clean overhead set toward the target. Focus on proper hand positioning, soft contact with the fingertips and balanced footwork while moving to the ball.
• Players should aim to deliver a series of consistent sets that reach the same target area. To make the drill more challenging, the toss can vary in height and direction, forcing the setter to adjust quickly and maintain accuracy.

Regularly practicing this drill helps players develop better control, consistency and decision-making when setting the ball.

In a  tryouts session, players who can place the ball accurately for their teammates often stand out because they help create smoother and more effective offensive plays for the team.

Spiking Approach and Timing Drill for Powerful Attacks

Spiking is one of the most exciting skills in volleyball, but performing a powerful attack requires proper approach, timing and coordination. During tryouts, coaches often pay close attention to how well players approach the ball and connect with it at the right moment.

• A useful drill to improve this skill is the spiking approach and timing drill. In this drill, players focus on practicing their approach steps and jumping at the correct time to contact the ball effectively.
• Start by having a teammate or coach toss or lightly set the ball near the net. The hitter begins a few steps back from the net and performs a proper approach, usually using a three-step or four-step pattern. As the ball rises, the player should time their jump so they reach the highest point just before striking the ball.
• The goal is to make clean contact with the ball while maintaining balance, strong arm swing and proper body control. Players should focus on landing safely and preparing quickly for the next repetition.
• To improve consistency, repeat the drill several times while adjusting the height and position of the toss. This helps players learn how to adapt their timing in different situations.

Consistently practicing this drill helps players develop better attacking rhythm, stronger jumps and more confident spikes, which can make a strong impression on coaches during volleyball tryouts.

Blocking Footwork Drill to Strengthen Your Net Defense Skills

Blocking plays an important role in volleyball defense, especially for players positioned near the net. During tryouts, coaches often look for players who can move quickly along the net and position themselves effectively to stop or slow down an opponent’s attack.

• One helpful exercise to improve this ability is the blocking footwork drill. This drill focuses on developing quick lateral movement and proper positioning before jumping to block the ball.
• To begin, players stand near the net in a ready position with knees slightly bent and hands raised. A coach or teammate signals the direction of movement, and the player quickly performs side steps or shuffle steps along the net to reach the correct blocking position.
• Once the player reaches the spot, they jump vertically with both hands extended above the net, simulating a block. The focus should be on maintaining balance, keeping the hands strong and directing them toward the opponent’s hitting area.
• Players repeat this movement several times while moving left and right along the net. As the drill progresses, a coach can add a ball to simulate a real attacking situation, allowing players to practice timing their jump more effectively.

Practicing this drill regularly helps players develop quicker reactions, stronger blocking technique and better net defense, which are valuable qualities coaches often notice during volleyball tryouts.

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Digging, Defensive and Reaction-Related Drills for Backcourt Players

Digging is a crucial defensive skill in volleyball, especially for players positioned in the backcourt. During tryouts, coaches often observe how quickly players react to attacks and how effectively they keep the ball in play after a strong hit.

• A practical way to develop this skill is through digging and reaction drills. In this drill, a coach or teammate hits or tosses the ball toward the defender from different angles and speeds. The defender must react quickly, move into position and perform a controlled dig to keep the ball in play.
• Players should focus on staying in a low defensive stance with their knees bent and their weight slightly forward. This ready position helps them move quickly in any direction. When digging the ball, they should create a stable platform with their forearms and guide the ball upward toward a target area on the court.
• To increase the difficulty, the coach can vary the direction and speed of the hits, forcing the defender to react faster and adjust their positioning.

Regularly practicing these drills helps players develop quicker reflexes, stronger defensive control and greater confidence in the backcourt.

During tryouts, players who can consistently dig tough attacks and keep rallies alive often stand out as reliable defensive contributors to the team.

Serve Receive Drill to Improve Ball Control

Serve receive is a critical part of volleyball because it is often the first contact that begins an offensive play. In tryouts, coaches pay close attention to how well players can control the ball when receiving a serve and deliver a clean pass to the setter.

• One effective way to improve this skill is through a serve receive drill. In this drill, players position themselves on the court just as they would during a real match. A coach or teammate serves the ball from the opposite side of the net, and the receiving players focus on controlling the pass.
• The main goal is to direct the ball toward a target area, usually near the setter’s position. Players should maintain a low and balanced stance, move their feet quickly to get behind the ball and create a steady passing platform with their forearms.
• To make the drill more challenging, serves can vary in speed, height and direction. This forces players to adjust their positioning and maintain control even when the serve is difficult to receive.

Practicing this drill regularly helps players develop better passing consistency, improved court awareness and stronger ball control.

During volleyball tryouts, players who can handle serves confidently and provide accurate passes often stand out because they help the team start its offensive plays effectively.

Communication and Calling the Ball Drill for Better Teamwork

Communication is an essential part of successful volleyball teams. During tryouts, coaches often observe how well players communicate with their teammates on the court, especially when deciding who will take the ball during a rally.

• A meaningful way to improve this skill is through a communication and calling the ball drill. In this drill, players work in small groups while focusing on clearly calling for the ball whenever it comes into their area.
• To begin, a coach or teammate sends the ball over the net or tosses it between players. As the ball approaches, the player who intends to receive it must loudly and clearly call ‘Mine,’ ‘I got it’ or another agreed-upon call. This helps avoid confusion and ensures that players do not hesitate when reacting to the ball.
• Players should also communicate with teammates after making the pass by calling out simple instructions such as ‘Set,’ ‘Help’ or ‘Free.’ These calls help keep everyone aware of the situation during the play.
• As the drill progresses, the speed of the toss or hit can increase, forcing players to react quickly and communicate more confidently.

Practicing this drill regularly helps players build stronger teamwork, clearer communication and greater confidence on the court.

Players who communicate effectively often stand out during tryouts because they help create a more organized and supportive team environment.

Transition Drill to Move Quickly from Defense to Offense

In volleyball, players often need to switch quickly from defense to offense during a rally. This ability, known as transition, is an important skill that coaches pay close attention to during tryouts.

• A transition drill helps players practice reacting quickly after a defensive play and preparing for the next attacking opportunity. In this drill, players start in a defensive position on the court. A coach or teammate initiates the play by hitting or tossing the ball toward the defender.
• The player first performs a defensive action, such as a dig or controlled pass. Immediately after making contact with the ball, the player must move quickly into an offensive position. For example, a hitter may transition off the net and prepare for an approach to spike, while a setter may move into position to set the next ball.
• The key focus of this drill is quick movement, awareness and proper positioning. Players should concentrate on recovering quickly after their first move and getting ready for the next phase of the play.
• To increase the difficulty, the coach can repeat the sequence multiple times in a row, forcing players to maintain focus and energy throughout the drill.

Practicing transition drills consistently helps players develop faster reactions, better court awareness and smoother teamwork, all of which can make a positive impression on coaches during volleyball tryouts.

Actual Match-Like Scrimmage Drill to Show Your Overall Volleyball Skills

A match-like scrimmage drill is one of the best ways for players to practice and demonstrate their overall volleyball skills. During tryouts, coaches often organize scrimmage drills to observe how players perform in realistic match conditions.

• In this drill, players are divided into teams and play short rallies or mini-games that closely resemble an actual match. The goal is not only to practice individual skills but also to apply them effectively during real gameplay.
• Players should focus on using proper techniques for serving, passing, setting, attacking and defending while maintaining strong communication with teammates. This drill allows coaches to evaluate how well players read the game, make decisions and react to different situations on the court.
• Another important aspect of scrimmage drills is teamwork. Players should support one another, communicate clearly and stay positive even when mistakes happen. These qualities often leave a strong impression on coaches.
• Because the drill reflects real match scenarios, it helps players build confidence and learn how to handle pressure during competitive match situations.

Practicing match-like scrimmage drills regularly helps players develop better game awareness, teamwork and consistency. During volleyball tryouts, players who perform confidently in these realistic situations often stand out as well-rounded contributors to the team.

FAQs on Volleyball Drills to Practice for Your Next Tryouts

How Often Should You Practice Volleyball Drills Before a Tryout?

It is helpful to practice volleyball drills several times a week before a tryout. Regular practice improves your consistency, confidence and overall skill level.

Even short sessions that focus on serving, passing and movement drills can make a noticeable difference in your performance during tryouts.

Which Volleyball Drill is Most Important to Focus on Before Tryouts?

There is no single most important drill, but serving, passing and ball control drills are often essential. Coaches usually pay close attention to players who can serve consistently and deliver accurate passes because these skills help the team maintain control and build effective offensive plays.

How can Drills Help Players Perform Better During Volleyball Tryouts?

Volleyball drills help players develop better techniques, quicker reactions, stronger court awareness and skillsets. Practicing these drills regularly allows players to perform skills more confidently and consistently.

During tryouts, this preparation helps players demonstrate their abilities clearly and make a positive impression on coaches.

Conclusion

Developing volleyball skills before attending a tryout will increase your chances of getting into a team and at the same time, make a good impression among the coaching staff.

I am sure that by now, you’ll have a thorough understanding on the drills to practice for your next volleyball tryouts and how to get good at each drill mentioned in this guide.

It’s your turn now!

What are your thoughts about this guide?

Would you like to add any tip that’ll enable a player attending their first volleyball tryouts with confidence?

Share them away in the comments section below!

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