Best competitive drills for beginners
How can we use competitive activities (which are fun) with beginners when their developmental focus tends to argue against going that route?
Tag
beginner
Game: 2-player, 2-ball Volley Tennis
This game, also known as Brazilian 2-ball, is a great warm-up that gets players moving and competing while also working on communication and strategy.
Drill: 6 v 6s
This is a 6 on 6 volleyball drill/game that you can use to keep many players active and not sitting out for long periods of time.
Game: 2 v 2 side switch
This fast-paced game features a lot of player movement and encourages communication and problem-solving. It's good for warm-ups or regular game play work.
Coaching youngsters like college players
A former college coach shares some good insights on working with 12-and-unders in a recent article. I just have one problem with his approach.
Game: 2 vs. 2 with a Player Net
Here's a small-sided volleyball game you can play when you don't have a net. Potentially good for warm-ups, try-outs, or when you have large numbers of players.
Game: Bonus Point Bingo
This bonus point oriented game is good for focusing on key developmental areas with lots of potential for varying the complexity and challenge level.
Drill: 2 vs. 0, or 2-Player Over-the-Net Pepper
This pepper variation introduces playing the ball over the net, which increases the game-like element and movement and puts added pressure on ball-handling.
Lots of players, little space – Help!!
A volleyball coach asked for ideas on handling lots of kids in a small space. Here are a couple of mine. Feel free to share your own.