21 Volleyball Tryout Drills for Beginners and Advanced Players

Trying out for a volleyball team can feel exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Whether you’re new to the game or you’ve been playing for a while, showing up prepared can make all the difference. Coaches are not just looking at your spikes or serves. They want to see how you move, how fast you react, and how well you work with others on the court. In this blog, we’ve put together a mix of volleyball tryout drills that cover the basics as well as advanced skills. These drills will help you warm up with confidence, stay sharp during tryouts, and show coaches what you’re really capable of. Let’s get started.

What Are Volleyball Tryout Drills?

Volleyball tryout drills are specific exercises and activities used by coaches during team selections to test a player’s skills, movement, and overall game sense. These drills are designed to simulate real match situations and cover everything from serving and passing to setting, spiking, and teamwork. The goal is to give every player a fair chance to show their strengths while helping coaches make informed decisions about team formation.

Why Are Tryout Drills Important in Volleyball?

1. Skill Assessment

   Tryout drills help coaches see how well you handle the basics like passing, setting, serving, and hitting. It’s a clear way to measure your volleyball technique in action.

2. Identify Strengths & Weaknesses

   These drills reveal what you’re already good at and what still needs work. This helps coaches place players in the right roles and also plan future training sessions.

3. Evaluate Athleticism

   Agility, speed, endurance, and vertical jump all come into play during tryouts. Drills give a full picture of your physical capabilities, not just your technique.

4. Observe Intangibles

   Things like communication, hustle, decision-making, and team attitude often show up during fast-paced drills. Coaches use this to spot players who bring more than just skills to the court.

5. Efficiency

   Drills let coaches assess many players in a short amount of time without relying only on full matches. It keeps things focused and fair.

6. Game Simulation

   Good tryout drills mirror real game situations. This helps coaches see how players respond under pressure and make split-second decisions, which matters during actual matches.

Core Principles of Effective Volleyball Tryout

Here’s a closer look at the core priciniples of effective volleyball tryout:

1. Fundamental Skill Mastery

   Tryouts need to focus on the basics first. Passing, serving, setting, and hitting are non-negotiable. Coaches want to see if you can consistently perform these core skills with control and accuracy.

2. Game-Like Drills

   The best tryouts include drills that mirror real match situations. This helps coaches see how well you apply your skills under pressure, adapt to different plays, and work within a team.

3. Physical Conditioning

   Volleyball is demanding, so your fitness matters. Coaches look for speed, stamina, footwork, and vertical jump. Strong conditioning shows you’re ready to handle fast-paced matches without burning out.

4. Mental Toughness & Attitude

   Staying focused, bouncing back from mistakes, and showing a positive attitude are just as important as physical skills. Coaches watch how you handle stress and how you treat your teammates during tough moments.

5. Coachability

   Being open to feedback and making quick adjustments based on instruction shows you’re willing to grow. Coaches value players who listen, learn, and apply suggestions right away.

6. High Effort & Hustle

   Even if you’re not the most polished player, giving your full effort sets you apart. Diving for balls, chasing down plays, and showing determination leave a strong impression.

7. Volleyball IQ & Awareness

   Smart decision-making, understanding court positions, anticipating plays, and communicating well all show your game sense. Coaches look for players who not only play hard but think smart.

Volleyball Tryout Drills

Volleyball Tryout Drills for Beginners

1. Low Catch Passing

   If you’re new to volleyball, this drill is a great way to ease into passing. You don’t have to worry about making perfect contact or reacting super fast. Instead, you’ll focus on building the right habits like staying low, keeping your balance, and watching the ball all the way in. Because the ball is allowed to bounce once before you catch it, there’s no pressure. You get time to prepare and learn how your body should move.

   Purpose:

   • Get used to staying in a ready, low position
   • Learn how to control your body while reaching for the ball
   • Improve your focus and timing in a relaxed way

   How it works: Toss the ball upward and let it bounce once. As it comes down again, quickly drop into a low stance and catch it just before it touches the ground. Focus on keeping your knees bent, back straight, and arms out in front. Once you’re comfortable, try tossing the ball a little lower or slightly to the left or right, so you need to adjust your movement before catching it. It’s okay to make mistakes since this drill is all about learning the basics without pressure.

2. Pepper (Over the Net)

   This drill is super fun and feels more like actual volleyball than just practicing in place. You and a partner stand on opposite sides of the net and work together to pass, set, and hit the ball back and forth. The goal is to keep it going for as long as possible without dropping the ball or sending it flying.

   Purpose:

   • Practice real game movements in a low-stress way
   • Improve your passing, setting, and soft hitting
   • Learn to communicate and react with your partner

   How it works: Start by lightly tossing or hitting the ball over the net to your partner. They pass it to themselves or you, then set it, and send a controlled hit back over the net. It’s a three-step rhythm: pass, set, hit. Try to keep that rhythm going without speeding up. Talk to each other as you play, call out “mine,” “set,” or “here.” As you get better, you can increase the speed or move your feet more between touches.

3. Butterfly Drill

   The Butterfly Drill may look a little complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the best ways to get in lots of touches and learn how to move around the court. It’s called “butterfly” because the way players move across the court looks a bit like wings fluttering. You’ll practice serving, passing, targeting, and moving into different positions in a loop.

   Purpose:

   • Practice passing accurately to a target
   • Build your movement and rotation skills
   • Stay active and improve your fitness during training

   How it works: Set up three stations: a server or tosser, a passer, and a target (usually a setter). The server sends the ball to the passer, who sends it to the target. The target then carries the ball to the server line, the server moves under the net to the passing line, and the cycle continues. You can adjust intensity based on the group by using tosses or full serves.

4. Toss-Up Setting

   This drill is perfect for beginners who are still figuring out how to set the ball properly. There’s no pressure, no defender, and no net involved. You just stand in place and work on making clean, soft contact with your fingertips. It teaches you what a good set should feel like and helps build your hand control and strength.

   Purpose:

   • Learn the correct hand shape and follow-through for setting
   • Make consistent, controlled sets straight above your head
   • Build the muscles in your fingers and arms used for setting

   How it works: Start by holding the ball at your forehead level. Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers to create a “window” through which you can see the ball. Push the ball up into the air using just your fingertips, not your palms. Try to make the ball go straight up and come back down into your hands. Do this over and over, keeping the ball within your reach. When you’re ready, walk slowly while setting, or try jump setting to make it more challenging.

5. Fizzles

   Fizzles are drills where you learn to dive, sprawl, or collapse to save the ball, then bounce back up fast. In a real match, you’ll often need to react quickly and hit the floor to stop a tip or a short ball. This drill helps you prepare for those moments so you don’t freeze or panic when it actually happens.

   Purpose:

   • Get faster at reacting to short balls or soft touches
   • Practice diving techniques safely and confidently
   • Build strength and stamina while moving up and down

   How it works: A coach or partner will toss balls randomly to short spots near you. Your job is to quickly drop down and stop the ball before it hits the ground. Use a safe dive or sprawl technique. As soon as you get the ball up, pop back to your feet and get ready for the next one. You can add a second toss right after the first or ask your partner to call out a direction like “left” or “right” to challenge your reaction time.

6. Setting Lines

   This drill lets you repeat your setting motion again and again until it feels natural. It’s also a good way to practice working with a teammate and calling out what kind of set you want.

   Purpose:

   • Improve the height and consistency of your sets
   • Communicate with your partner using short calls like “high” or “quick”
   • Practice different types of sets like forward, backward, and quick

   How it works: Stand across from a partner about 10 to 15 feet away. Set the ball to them so it lands just above their head. They catch or reset and send it back. Keep doing this in a smooth rhythm. As you get better, try adding quick sets, jump sets, or calling out the type of set before you do it. This also helps you learn how to adjust your hands based on what your teammate needs.

7. Down-Ups

   This drill is part volleyball, part fitness challenge. It trains your body to go down to the floor and recover fast, which is exactly what happens after a dig or pancake. You’ll build strength, improve your recovery time, and learn to stay mentally sharp, even when you’re tired.

   Purpose:

   • Recover fast after falling or diving for a ball
   • Strengthen your legs, arms, and core muscles
   • Train your mind to stay focused, even when tired

   How it works: Start in a balanced ready position. When the coach claps or gives a signal, quickly drop to your stomach or chest (like you’re diving), then pop back up into the same ready stance. You can add a pass or a reaction task right after standing up to make it feel more like real game movement. Try doing a few down-ups in a row without stopping to build endurance.

8. Side to Sides

   This drill helps you master one of the most important defensive moves in volleyball: lateral shuffling. You will move side to side without crossing your feet, staying low and balanced the whole time. It trains you to react quickly to balls hit at sharp angles or cross-court.

   Purpose:

   • Move side to side with better speed and control
   • Stay low and balanced while staying ready to pass
   • Cover more of the court without falling off balance

   How it works: Start in the center of a marked area on the court. When the coach gives a cue like a clap or voice command, shuffle quickly to one side, then return to the middle, then shuffle to the other side. Do not cross your feet. Stay low, keep your arms ready in your passing platform, and keep your eyes forward. Once you are comfortable, a coach or partner can toss balls to each side for you to dig or pass. This makes the drill more game-like and helps improve your reactions under pressure.

9. Approach Step Drill

   If you want to become a strong hitter, you need a clean and powerful approach. This drill helps you focus on your footwork without worrying about the ball at first. The goal is to build muscle memory so your body knows exactly what to do before you even jump.

   Purpose:

   • Learn the correct footwork for jumping and spiking
   • Time your arm swing with your approach
   • Build power in your last two steps to jump higher

   How it works: Start by practicing your attack steps without the ball. Right-handed hitters should use the left right left pattern, while left-handed hitters go right left right. Begin slowly and focus on good form. As you get more confident, add a coach toss or a partner who sets the ball. Finish each rep with a strong jump and a swinging motion even if you are not hitting yet. Once your rhythm feels smooth, you can move on to full-speed hits with the same footwork.

10. Down Ball Hitting

    In real matches, you will not always have time for a full jump and perfect set. This drill teaches you to hit smart and controlled even when things are not ideal. You will learn to stay aggressive even from behind the attack line or when your timing is off.

    Purpose:

    • Improve your hitting form and arm swing mechanics
    • Hit the ball with control instead of just swinging hard
    • Aim for specific court zones with purpose

    How it works: Stand just behind the 10-foot or 3-meter line. A coach or partner tosses the ball to you, and you attack it using a standing swing or a small jump. Focus on keeping your arm high and making clean contact. Do not try to hit it as hard as possible. Instead, aim for targets like cross-court, line, or deep middle. This drill helps you become a smart hitter who knows how to place the ball where the defense is weak.

11. Hitting Lines with Setters

    This is one of the most exciting parts of practice where you actually hit live sets and get into a rhythm with your setters. It is a chance to work on your timing, footwork, and swing while getting comfortable with real game situations.

    Purpose:

    • Sync your approach with the setter’s timing
    • Practice hitting from different spots like outside, middle, and right side
    • Build trust and communication with your setter

    How it works: Form a line of hitters. A coach or teammate feeds the ball to the setter, who then sets it to the first person in line. That player makes their approach, hits the ball, and goes to the back of the line. Keep rotating and stay alert when it is your turn. Focus on your timing and do not rush your approach. You can also call out plays like quick, 4, or back to practice different types of sets. As you improve, coaches might add blockers or score points for clean, in-bounds hits.

12. Serve and Target

    This drill takes your serving to the next level. Instead of just trying to get the ball over the net, you will focus on hitting specific spots. Serving with accuracy helps you score more points and make life harder for the other team from the very first contact.

    Purpose:

    • Improve your serve placement and control
    • Learn how to aim for weak zones or seams in the defense
    • Build consistency under pressure

    How it works: Coaches place cones, hoops, or tape in different zones of the court like the deep corners, short zones, or seams between players. You will get a set number of serves and try to land the ball on or near the targets. Keep track of your score to see how accurate you are. You can make it more competitive by challenging a teammate, setting time limits, or restarting your score if you miss a serve. Over time, this drill helps you become a more tactical and confident server.

Advanced Volleyball Tryout Drills

1. 6v6 Tier Drill

   This full-team drill tests how well you and your teammates can stay focused and play cleanly through all six rotations. The goal is not just to play, but to avoid mistakes while running through serve-receive and transition patterns. It feels like a real match, but with extra pressure to stay sharp.

   Purpose:

   • Play confidently in every rotation on the court
   • Improve focus by reducing errors during long sequences
   • Get comfortable with side-outs, transitions, and rotations

   How it works: Six players start in rotation 1 and try to complete a set number of “perfect” plays in a row, like passing a serve and scoring a clean side-out. Once they succeed, they rotate to the next position. Early versions of this drill might not include an opposing team, but as it progresses, defenders or attackers may be added. You will also work with free balls, down balls, and game-like pressure. The drill continues until your group completes clean sequences in all six rotations.

2. Serve and Serve Receive Wave

   This is a fast-paced drill where everyone gets to serve and pass without much standing around. You are constantly moving, switching sides, and rotating through positions, just like you would in a real game.

   Purpose:

   • Practice your serves under pressure
   • Improve your passing in a game-like flow
   • Build energy and rhythm with the group

   How it works: Start by serving the ball to a group of passers on the other side. After you serve, jog over and join the passing line. Once you pass, you might move to a target position or get ready to serve again. Everyone takes turns serving, passing, and sometimes setting or hitting, depending on the version of the drill. The movement is quick, so stay alert and be ready to switch roles fast.

3. Pass and Weave

   Pass and Weave adds movement to your passing drills. You do not just pass the ball and stand still. You pass and then move to a new spot, weaving around your teammates. This drill builds coordination, endurance, and quick decision-making.

   Purpose:

   • Pass accurately while on the move
   • Improve communication and spacing
   • Build stamina and court awareness

   How it works: Set up in a triangle or line. Player A passes to Player B, then runs to B’s position. B passes to C and takes C’s spot, and the pattern continues. As more players rotate through, the group keeps moving in a loop. You can add extra balls to make it more challenging or assign one player as a setter to redirect the passes.

4. Matrix Drill

   The Matrix Drill throws multiple balls into play to test how well you can handle chaos. It is intense, fast, and noisy, but that is the point. It shows who can stay calm, communicate clearly, and still play technically sound volleyball.

   Purpose:

   • Improve focus and decision-making under pressure
   • React quickly to unexpected plays
   • Build strong communication and teamwork

   How it works: Start with one ball in play. After a few touches, your coach tosses in a second ball, then maybe a third. You must keep all balls alive, make smart choices, and still try to win the rally by scoring or completing a goal. Coaches may assign points to certain plays or call out which ball is active. Stay loud, talk about who has what, and move with purpose.

5. Active Warm-Ups (Volley and Chase / Bump and Chase)

   These are not your regular warm-ups. Instead of stretching in one spot, you will be moving, playing the ball, and getting your body ready for action. You will also get better at reacting quickly and controlling the ball while in motion.

   Purpose:

   • Get your heart rate up before full practice
   • Improve timing, control, and movement
   • Reduce the chance of injury while building skill

   How it works: In Volley and Chase, toss the ball, volley it upward, then sprint and catch it before it hits the ground. In Bump and Chase, use a forearm pass to send the ball up and run to play it again. You can do this in different directions or with a partner. It builds quick reactions and ball tracking right from the start of your session.

6. Block Hitter on Box Drill

   This drill helps blockers improve timing by facing a hitter on a box. The hitter is always at a consistent height, making it easier for blockers to read and react. It creates a clear picture of how blocking works and helps both blockers and hitters improve.

   Purpose:

   • Learn how to time your block against consistent swings
   • Work on hand positioning and footwork along the net
   • Get used to real blocking situations without full-speed chaos

   How it works: Place a hitter on a box near the net. A coach or teammate feeds the ball for the hitter to attack. Blockers work on reading the hitter’s body and timing their jump. Focus on closing the block and keeping your hands strong and angled. To level it up, add another blocker or change the hitter’s position to simulate more realistic attacks.

7. Jousting Practice

   Jousts happen when both teams touch the ball above the net at the same time. It is a power-versus-power moment, and learning how to win it can shift the momentum of a game. This drill isolates that situation so you can get better at handling it.

   Purpose:

   • Build strength and balance when jumping at the net
   • Learn how to push through the ball with control
   • Improve timing and aggression in net battles

   How it works: A coach or partner tosses or holds a ball right over the center of the net. Two players jump at the same time and try to push it to the other side without touching the net. Use strong arms and keep your hands high. You can do this one-on-one, or add a rally right after the joust to practice reacting quickly once the ball is live.

8. Box Sit Serve Reception

   This is a tough one. You sit on a box or bench and receive serves without using your legs at all. It forces you to pass using only your upper body, making it clear how important platform angle and quiet hands really are.

   Purpose:

   • Get better at controlling the ball with just your arms and shoulders
   • Read the serve early and make fast adjustments
   • Build stability and confidence when passing under pressure

   How it works: Sit on a stable box in the serve-receive zone. A server sends the ball your way. You pass it to a target using only your arms. You cannot move your legs or stand up. Focus on your platform angle and shoulder control. Once that feels solid, lower the box height or try the drill kneeling to build toward full standing serve-receive.

9. “Three C’s” Game (Control, Communication, Conditioning)

   This game feels like a regular scrimmage, but there is a twist. You do not just earn points for winning rallies. You also score for following the Three C’s. That means playing smart, talking clearly, and staying physically active the whole time.

   Purpose:

   • Stay disciplined and focused throughout the match
   • Keep talking and supporting teammates on every play
   • Improve your conditioning while still playing real volleyball

   How it works: Play in normal teams, but the coach keeps score using extra rules. You might earn points for using three touches, calling every ball, or keeping long rallies alive. At the same time, you will lose points for poor communication or sending over lazy free balls. The idea is to reward smart, clean volleyball while building team chemistry and endurance.

Common Volleyball Tryout Mistakes to Avoid

Volleyball tryouts can be intense, but avoiding a few simple mistakes can make a big difference in how coaches see you. Here are some common errors that could hurt your chances and what you should do instead.

1. Staying Silent on the Court

   Not calling the ball or staying quiet during drills can make it seem like you’re disconnected from the team. Coaches are always watching how well players communicate. Even during warmups or basic passing drills, use your voice. Call for the ball, support your teammates, and show you’re alert. Communication shows confidence and awareness, both of which stand out.

2. Trying Too Hard to Show Off

   A common mistake is swinging too hard or going for flashy plays just to impress. This usually leads to unnecessary errors. Coaches want someone who plays smart and keeps the ball in play, not just someone with power. Focus on good decision-making and consistency instead of highlight moments.

3. Missing Serves Repeatedly

   Serving is often the first skill you show in a tryout, and it leaves a strong impression. If you keep missing your serves, it signals a lack of control. You don’t need to serve with top speed. Aim for accuracy and confidence. A clean, in-bounds serve is more valuable than a powerful one that misses the mark.

4. Weak Passing Technique

   Passing is one of the first things coaches judge, especially for non-specialist positions. If your footwork is off or your arms aren’t steady, it shows right away. Don’t reach for the ball. Move your feet, keep your platform firm, and get into the right position early. Even if you are a hitter or blocker, clean passing makes you a more complete player.

5. Low Effort Between Drills

   Walking between stations, being slow to reset, or not giving full effort makes it look like you are not serious. Coaches watch how you act between plays just as much as during them. Jog between drills, stay ready, and keep your energy up. Hustle can be the difference when skills are evenly matched.

6. Not Paying Attention to Instructions

   If you miss instructions or don’t apply feedback, it reflects poorly on your attitude. Coaches want players who listen and learn. Show that you are coachable. Make eye contact, nod when someone is explaining something, and adjust your approach when corrected.

7. Negative Body Language

   Slumped shoulders, frustration after mistakes, or not making eye contact can hurt your chances. Coaches know mistakes happen. What matters more is how you react. Keep your body language positive. Stay focused and reset after every play. This shows mental strength and maturity.

8. Avoiding Certain Drills

   Skipping a turn in passing lines or staying away from defense drills might seem like a way to avoid weakness, but it does the opposite. Coaches want players who are willing to learn and try different roles. Step up when it’s your turn, even if it’s not your favourite position. Showing effort in every drill counts more than avoiding mistakes.

Closing Thoughts

Volleyball tryouts feel a lot easier when you know what to expect and you’ve already practiced the same skills in training. If you focus on solid basics, stay loud on the court, and bring steady effort in every drill, you will naturally stand out. Use these drills to build confidence, sharpen your reactions, and walk into tryouts ready to play your game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I prepare for volleyball tryout drills?

   Focus on passing, serving, and footwork every day. Add basic conditioning and agility drills to build quick movement and stamina.

2. What drills are most important at volleyball tryouts?

   Serve receive and passing drills matter most. Game-like situations help show your court awareness, decision-making, and how well you handle pressure.

3. Do coaches care more about skill or attitude?

   Both matter, but a good attitude can tip the scale. Coaches notice players who stay positive, listen, and work hard, even during tough drills.

4. How long do volleyball tryouts usually last?

   Most tryouts run for 1 to 3 days. Each session is usually 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the level and number of players.

5. What if I make mistakes during tryout drills?

   Mistakes are okay. Coaches watch how you bounce back, stay focused, and keep giving your best. Recovery matters more than perfection.

6. Are volleyball tryout drills different for beginners?

   Yes. Beginner drills focus on basics like passing, footwork, and general athletic ability. Advanced players face faster drills and game situations.

7. How can I stand out if I’m not the strongest hitter?

   Show effort in defense, communicate well, and be consistent with passing. Hustle, awareness, and energy often leave a lasting impression.