Contact Help center
Volleyball Volleyball
HOME Volleyball Coaching Trends SEARCH

Volleyball: ready position

ready position DRILLS
View All

Be prepared to receive the ball

In pairs, one of the players throws the ball underhand to his/her partner. The receiver must: Stands in ready position Keeps their arms in front on themselves in the digging position Let the ball bounce off their forearms Hold the position

4 Passing Drills

Dig Partner's Strike

Working in pairs the feeder spikes the ball to the worker. The worker has to dig it back to the feeder, and prepare to receive the next shot. Repeat for 10 spikes and then rotate.

4 Passing Drills

Finger Follow Drill

Place your finger in the middle of the back of your partner and try and keep it there. The partner then walks around changing direction, stopping, starting and side-stepping etc.

2 Warm Up

Knee tag

Partners stand facing each other about arms distance apart, one of the partners is the tagger who tries to touch the partner on the knee the other has to avoid being tagged whilst remaining close.

2 Warm Up

Press And Sideways Run

Two players face each other and press the ball trying to make the other lose balance while running sideways.

2 Warm Up

Rolling Ball

One partner has a ball on the floor and keeping hands in contact with the ball tries to move from one side of court to the other trying to get past the partner. The partner keeps a good ready position and tries to stay in front of the ball. Once they have moved from one side of court to the other, change over who has the ball.

2 Warm Up

Run and Pass

Set up four cones in a square in one half of the court, with a player and a ball on each. The remainder of your players should line up a couple of meters behind the back line. On the coach's whistle players take it in turns to run out each cone in turn where they play a pass and return before running to the next station to play another pass and return.

4 Passing Drills

Side Shifting

Hold the ball in the palm of your hand and stand in a good ready position. Using your bodyweight and movement side-step taking the ball with you, letting it bounce, catching the ball with the other hand and changing direction (don't throw the ball, use the whole body movement to move the ball side-side).

2 Warm Up

Tag

Partners stand facing each other about arms distance apart, one of the partners is the tagger who tries to touch the partner on the back, the other tries to avoid being tagged by keeping their chest facing the tagger whilst remaining within arms reach (no running away) Both players should be in a well balanced ready position so they can move and change direction at any time.

2 Warm Up

Two step shuffle

Place the ball on the floor, in a good ready position push the ball sideways with a hand then move in rhythm with the ball for two side-steps bend and push the ball with the other hand in the other direction and repeat.

2 Warm Up

Side Shifting 2 Warm Up - Voll...

Hold the ball in the palm of your hand and stand in a good ready position. Using your bodyweight and movement side-step taking the ball with you, letting it bounce, catching the ball with the other hand and changing direction (don't throw the ball, use the whole body movement to move the ball side-side).

General

Rolling Ball VSW:READY TO POUN...

One partner has a ball on the floor and keeping hands in contact with the ball tries to move from one side of court to the other trying to get past the partner.The partner keeps a good ready position and tries to stay in front of the ball. Once they have moved from one side of court to the other, change over who has the ball.

General

Two step shuffle 2 Warm Up - V...

Place the ball on the floor, in a good ready position push the ball sideways with a hand then move in rhythm with the ball for two side-steps bend and push the ball with the other hand in the other direction and repeat.

General

Knee tag 2 Warm Up - Volleybal...

Partners stand facing each other about arms distance apart, one of the partners is the tagger who tries to touch the partner on the knee the other has to avoid being tagged whilst remaining close.

General

Dig and move position 4 Passin...

One player stands in Zone 3 and spikes the ball into the court. The other players, starting from behind the sideline, take it in turns to receive the ball, return it to the player acting as the feeder and runs to Zone 1. Once all the players are in Zone 1, the player feeding continues to spike the ball into the court but the other players must change positions from side to side in the backcourt.

General

Finger Follow Drill VSW:READY ...

Place your finger in the middle of the back of your partner and try and keep it there. The partner then walks around changing direction, stopping, starting and side-stepping etc.

General

Get up, stand up! VSW:READY TO...

Throw the ball in the air using two hands, move to where the ball is coming down sit down on the floor and catch the ball. When you have caught the ball throw the ball up in the air and get up ready to catch it.

General

Dig Partner's Strike 4 Passing...

Working in pairs the feeder spikes the ball to the worker. The worker has to dig it back to the feeder, and prepare to receive the next shot. Repeat for 10 spikes and then rotate.

General

Bounce Up and Receive VST:CATC...

Volley the ball to your partner who volleys the ball to themselves one time whilst you do two block jumps this is then repeated by your partner.

General

Dummy MVW:READY TO REBOUND - V...

Feeder feeds ball over the net for players to run into position so that the ball is landing in front of them. They then move forwards letting the ball go through their legs (don't jump).

General

Bump, set, bump, set! MVW:READ...

Working in pairs, one player sets the ball to the their partner who moves to meet the ball using good footwork to bump the ball back to their partner who catches the ball. Ensure the player bumping the ball lets the ball bounce on their wrists and only makes minor adjustments to give direction to the ball (back to the setter).

General

Throw and Catch With Legs 2 Wa...

Throw the ball in the air using two hands, move to where the ball is coming down, lay or sit down on the floor and catch the ball between the legs.When you have caught the ball, throw it up in the air, get up and catch it.

General

Be prepared to receive the bal...

In pairs, one of the players throws the ball underhand to his/her partner. The receiver must: Stands in ready position Keeps their arms in front on themselves in the digging position Let the ball bounce off their forearms Hold the position

General

Throw and Catch VST:CATCH IN D...

Throw the ball in the air using two hands, move to where the ball is coming down. Bend your knees and catch the ball as low to the floor as possible whilst remaining on your feet.

General

Jump and Catch VSW:READY TO PO...

Coach feeds the ball for the player to practice the correct footwork for an attack approach to jump and catch.

General

Throw and rotate 2 Warm Up - V...

Teams of 4 one ball the team that throws the ball over the net has to rotate as soon as the ball has gone over. The other team has to catch the ball and throw it back over and rotate in turn.<BR>Point scored when the ball is dropped.<BR>

General

Setting - 2 vs 2 4 Passing Dri...

The first player starts the game with a throw over the net. The two players on the other side of the net communicate - with one moving towards the net and the other who volleys the ball. The player that has moved to the net faces their partner who passes the ball to them with a high pass from a volley position with the ball above their forehead. The person at the net volleys the ball for their partner who is about 2 metres away from the net facing them with the hand up nearest the net pointing where they want the next high pass to be placed. The player then passes the ball high to the area pointed at and that player moves in, and volleys the ball over the net. Then both players return to a side by side playing position ready to play defence and start the drill again.

General

Run and Pass 4 Passing Drills ...

Set up four cones in a square in one half of the court, with a player and a ball on each. The remainder of your players should line up a couple of meters behind the back line.On the coach's whistle players take it in turns to run out each cone in turn where they play a pass and return before running to the next station to play another pass and return.

General

Bounce and Move VSD:GRID GAME ...

One of the partners has the ball and holds it out away from their body in front of their belly button. The player then turns and drops the ball and the partner has to move and catch the ball before it bounces twice and they repeat (no dummy moves and the ball must land twice in the same place).As they get better at the game, the player catching the ball must be facing their partner when they catch the ball and the ball must be caught with their hands just in front of and between their knees.The catcher then must turn and drop the ball within 1 or 2 seconds. You play this game for points or time.

General

3 Player Passing Drill VST:CAT...

Working in 3's, one player throws the ball over the net for a player to underhand pass the ball to the target player at the net. The target player has a ball and as soon as the ball is thrown by the feeder he throws his ball so as to bounce once to the feeder and catches the ball being passed by the player. This drill can be measured in time or good repetitions. The reason for using two balls is you can do a vast amount of contacts in a short time; the feeding can be changed to a service when the feeder is a competent server as the emphasis is the passing.

General

Matchlike Spike and Dig 2 5 Dr...

2 players stand on either side of the net, and the receiver starts with the ball by overhand passing it across the net. This player then passes to their team mate who overhand passes it back for the spike. The receivers are ready to dig the ball back across the court. Have receivers changing positions after every 4 attempts.

General

Consecutive passes 4 Passing D...

Each player has a ball. The aim is to keep underhand passing high over their own head for as long as possible, all the while keeping in control of the ball.

General

Receive, return and spin 4 Pas...

In threes, the players stand in a row, the person in the middle faces player 1. Player 1 then underhand passes the player in the middle, who return the ball back to player 1. The player in the middle then spins around to receive the ball from player 2, whereby he returns it using the underhand pass.

General

2 vs 2 - Pattern Play VSG:2V2 ...

2 vs 2 The first player starts the game with a throw over the net. The two players on the other side of the net communicate and one catches the ball, the other moves to the net and faces their partner who passes the ball to them with a high pass from a volley position with the ball above their forehead. The person at the net holds the ball in a volley position and keeps hold of the ball until their partner is about 2 metres away from the net, facing them with the hand up, nearest the net pointing where they want the next high pass to be placed. The players should then pass the ball high to the area pointed at and that player moves in, catches and plays the ball over the net. Both players return to a side by side playing position ready to play defence.

General

Serve Warm Ups 2 Warm Up - Vol...

<BR>A relaxed swing aiming about 5 metres in front of the server, to warm up shoulder muscles</BR>

General

Volley Pass VSG:2V2 HIGH COURT...

The first player starts the game with a throw over the net.The two players on the other side of the net communicate - with one moving towards the net and the other who volleys the ball while their partner moves to meet the ball.The player that has moved to the net faces their partner to receive and return the pass.The player who first passed the ball moves towards the net and points to where they want the next high pass to be placed.The player then volleys the ball over the net.After this both players should return to a side by side playing position ready to play defence and start the drill again.

General

Defending attack after attack ...

This drill requires one setter and two or more receivers. The coach or a teammate throws balls from the other side of the net. Player 1 receives the ball by digging it to their teammate who sets the ball, whereby player 1 runs to the net to spike the ball. When using more than one receiver the person feeding should throw another ball into play the moment player 1 spikes. This way the player covering the backcourt can get into position to dig, move and spike to mimic a game situation.

General

Sit on the ball 2 Warm Up - Vo...

This fun warm up sees players working in pairs 3-4 meters apart. To start the game the first player rolls the ball to their partner who lets the ball go between their legs before trying to stop the ball by sitting on top of it. Drill continues in this way.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
ready position SESSIONS
View All

Developing underhand passing: Drills to get feet moving

Work on fast feet movement and underhand passing technique with this core skills plan - complete with six video drills for you to watch and coach

Developing players underhand passing ability

Keep the point alive and create winning opportunities by perfecting the best underarm passing technique. Develop control in your play by teaching you players about their positioning, and movement before, during and after the digs.
ready position ANSWERS
View All

What is the AMOEBA drill?

Hi can anyone help me, I'm trying to find out what the AMOEBA drill is so I can use it at my next training?

Archived User Coach

important tips to help develop a great setter?

What are some great tips to give to setters when developing a smart, AWESOME setter? I was not a setter when I played, I know the basics but not enough to take my setter to the next level. She really wants to play college volleyball as well.

Brooke Bostelman Coach, United States of America

What are some pre game warmup ...

Would like to know different drills that teams use for their warmup drills for 6 min. Also what players do to get loose before starting warm ups. Beside beating volleyball in the floor.

Michael Taylor Coach, United States of America

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Libero Mastery: Defensive Specialist Training for the Modern Game

Libero Mastery: Defensive Specialist Training for the Modern Game

The libero position has never been more important. Here's how to develop elite defensive specialists who transform your team's back-court play.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Training Players to Read: Developing Volleyball Game Intelligence

Training Players to Read: Developing Volleyball Game Intelligence

Move from reactive to proactive with drills that build anticipation. The best players know what's coming before it happens.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
6 Things Changing Volleyball in 2026

6 Things Changing Volleyball in 2026

FIVB's Strategic Vision 2032 is driving major changes: rule modernization, competition expansion, and coaching requirements that will reshape the sport. Here's what's coming.

January 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Volleyball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
warm uppassingserveservingserving drilldefenseunderhand servedrillsvolleyspikingbasketballdivingdiggingdigblockingspikesettingserve receive

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

I've found this resource invaluable and of huge benefit to both my players and myself. Thanks for helping me to improve my coaching.

Kashif Pakistan

Very useful format and descriptions of drills. I am using Sportplan to update and formalise my trainings.

Tony Miller Australia

As a brand new coach I have found the drills to be of amazing help.

Joan De Petra New Zealand

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create professional volleyball coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested volleyball plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Volleyball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
basketball blocking cool down defense dig digging drill drills handball hitting drills passing passing drills search serve serving serving drill set setting setting drills smash spike spike drills spiking underarm serve underhand serve volley volleyball volleyball warm up warm up lesson 2
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of volleyball coaches plus 300+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT