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.
Tag
beginner
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.
Getting young players to communicate and move
Here are some suggestions on how to get beginning volleyball players to talk and move in response to a question from a reader.