Build a reliable first contact

Youth Volleyball Passing Drills

Passing improves when players read the server and ball flight, move early, and send a playable ball toward a clear target that helps the next teammate.

Coach reminder

Reward passes that give the next teammate time and space. Use an easy toss only as a brief reset, then return to a ball crossing the net.

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23 passing drills

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PassingIntermediate

Serve receive and seamsGame-like transfer

Butterfly Passing

A continuous serve-pass-target rotation where every player follows their own ball.

12 min 6+ players

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Ball controlNew to the game

First-contact passingReset

Down-Ball Warm-Up

Coach-fed down balls give the group controlled passing reps at game-like speed.

8 min 4–14 players

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PassingIntermediate

First-contact passingRepresentative skill work

Pass to the Box

A taped target zone turns passing from keeping it up into putting it here.

10 min 4–14 players

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Serve receiveIntermediate

Serve receive and seamsGame-like transfer

Target Zone Scoring

Every pass gets graded on the standard three-point scale against a team average.

12 min 5–14 players

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PassingNew to the game

Core 12First-contact passingReset

Toss–Pass–Catch

Partners build a steady forearm platform before working with a live ball.

10 min 2+ players

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PassingNew to the game

First-contact passingFoundational skill work

Pass to the Hoop

Players earn points by passing tossed balls toward a visible floor target.

12 min 3–15 players

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PassingBeginner

First-contact passingReset

Shuffle and Pass

Passers move left and right before controlling a coach-tossed ball.

12 min 3–14 players

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PassingIntermediate

Second-ball settingReset

Three-Person Pepper

A passer, setter, and controlled attacker keep a cooperative rally moving.

15 min 3+ players

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PassingIntermediate

Serve receive and seamsGame-like transfer

Passer vs. Server

Servers and passers compete for points based on the quality of each first contact.

15 min 4–14 players

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See all 23 drills

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