Most practice problems are design problems: the plan doesn’t match the level, the numbers, the space, or the real match demands. This hub organizes your best templates and decision guides so you can build practices that create game-like reps without chaos.
Start here: the fastest path
If you only click one thing first, start here:
- Volleyball Practice Plan Template: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-practice-plan-template/
- Improving pre-match warm-ups: https://coachingvb.com/improving-pre-match-warm-ups/
- Using stations in your practices: https://coachingvb.com/using-stations-in-your-practices/
Step 1 — Pick a practice purpose (then design backwards)
Good practice plans start with one main purpose:
- Fix a scoring problem (serve/receive, transition, coverage)
- Build a skill progression (beginner group)
- Prepare for a tactical opponent constraint (higher levels)
- Establish competitive behaviors (early season)
If you don’t have a clear purpose, you’ll default to running drills that feel busy but don’t transfer.
Step 2 — Use a repeatable structure
A default structure that works for most teams:
- Ball warm-up (fast, minimal lines)
- Priority skill or theme (progression)
- A second emphasis (short)
- Game(s) that force the priority behavior
- Wrap-up (serve pressure / competitive finish)
Templates:
- Volleyball Practice Plan Template: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-practice-plan-template/
- A 1-Hour Practice Plan: https://coachingvb.com/a-1-hour-practice-plan/
Step 3 — Solve space and numbers with stations
Stations are the fastest way to increase meaningful reps when you have:
- too many players for one court
- mixed ability levels
- limited time
- multiple priorities to address
Start here:
- Using stations in your practices: https://coachingvb.com/using-stations-in-your-practices/
Step 4 — Warm-ups that actually prepare
Warm-ups should match what you’ll do next. Two useful distinctions:
- Pre-practice warm-up: get bodies ready + touch the ball quickly
- Pre-match warm-up: build rhythm and confidence in the actions you’ll need early
Start here:
- Improving pre-match warm-ups: https://coachingvb.com/improving-pre-match-warm-ups/
Step 5 — Make scrimmages useful (not just “play 6v6”)
Scrimmages improve faster when you add:
- constraints (must run a certain action)
- scoring that rewards the behavior you want
- short game segments with quick feedback loops
Related:
- Making practice scrimmages less boring: https://coachingvb.com/making-practice-scrimmages-less-boring/
Step 6 — Common logistics questions (JV/Varsity, practice length, mixed levels)
These are the practical constraints that shape real practice design.
- How long should practices be?: https://coachingvb.com/how-long-should-practices-be/
- Should JV and Varsity practice together?: https://coachingvb.com/should-jv-and-varsity-practice-together/
- Handling mixed player levels in practices: https://coachingvb.com/handling-mixed-player-levels-in-practices/
Wave 1 pages coming next (links will be added here)
As these are published/refreshed, they’ll become the primary “Start here” links above:
- Practice Plan Template (refresh: “choose a goal → choose constraints → choose games”)
- Pre-match Warm-up Plan (refresh: a simple warm-up sequence + variations)
- Practice Length Decision Rules (refresh: what to prioritize at 60/90/120)
- JV/Varsity Together? (refresh: decision tree + examples)
FAQs
How many drills should I plan for one practice?
Usually fewer than you think. Two main content blocks plus one or two games is enough if the games are designed to force your priority behavior.
Should I plan practice minute-by-minute?
For most coaches, yes—at least loosely. The key is not perfect timing; it’s preventing long dead periods and keeping transitions smooth.
What’s the biggest mistake coaches make with warm-ups?
Warm-ups that are too slow, too line-based, or don’t resemble the actions the team needs right away in training or competition.
Back to Start Here: https://coachingvb.com/start-here/
