PassingCommunication
Beginner Passing Practice
A 75-minute progression from platform control to moving, calling seams, and using a pass in a three-contact rally.
At a glance
75 minutes 6–16 playersMiddle schoolNew to the game · BeginnerOpen printable handoutPractice goals
What this session should accomplish.
- Build a simple, repeatable forearm platform.
- Move behind the ball before contact.
- Call the ball early and pass toward a useful target.
Practice timeline
75 minutes, start to finish
- 0:00to 5:00Block 01 · 5 min
Movement and platform warm-up
Prepare players to stop balanced before contact.
Run it
- Shuffle, stop, show a platform, and return to ready position on the coach's signal.
Say this
Beat the ball to the spot.Balanced before contact. - 5:00to 17:00Block 02 · 12 minFull drill
Toss–Pass–Catch
Create controlled first contacts.
Run it
- Run the linked drill.
Say this
Platform early.Quiet arms. - 17:00to 29:00Block 03 · 12 minFull drill
Shuffle and Pass
Move to balls outside the midline.
Run it
- Run the linked drill in two or more groups.
Say this
Move, stop, pass.Face the ball first. - 29:00to 41:00Block 04 · 12 minFull drill
Pass to the Hoop
Connect platform angle to a visible target.
Run it
- Run the linked drill and rotate roles often.
Say this
Angle to the target.Use your legs.Transition: Remove hoops and place pairs in serve-receive lanes.
- 41:00to 53:00Block 05 · 12 minFull drill
Seams and Names
Decide who owns balls between passers.
Run it
- Run the linked drill with tosses before serves.
Say this
Call early and loudly.The louder call wins the ball. - 53:00to 70:00Block 06 · 17 minFull drill
Three-Contact Challenge
Use passing inside a simple game.
Run it
- Award a bonus point when the first contact reaches the setter area.
Say this
Control the first ball.Help the next teammate.Transition: Gather the team with balls still.
- 70:00to 75:00Block 07 · 5 min
Passing recap
Make the core cues memorable.
Run it
- Ask players to repeat the three cues: move, platform, target.
Say this
One clear takeaway is enough.
Make it fit
Useful adaptations
- For new players, allow a catch after the pass.
- For intermediate players, replace tosses with controlled serves.
- For a small team, use groups of three with a rotating target.
Closing message
“Good passing starts before the ball arrives: move early, build a simple platform, and help the next player.”