Welcome to Drill of the Week, a series on ACTIVEkids.com that explains individual and team drills for parents and coaches to help kids improve at the sports they love. This week we'll explore volleyball serving, blocking, and hitting drills - brought to you by CoachUp.com.
Lok-Tin Yao, former collegiate Volleyball player and CoachUp coach, explains three essential skills in the videos below.
More: Volleyball 101: Position Breakdown
First, let's tackle serving: A good serve is essential to attack the opposing team. To start, practice tossing the ball. Hold your arm straight out in front of you and toss it above your head. Once you've mastered the toss, start adding in your swing. As you swing with the opposite arm, take a step forward to create momentum in the direction you want the ball to go. Think about whipping your arm forward as you swing, then make contact with the ball at the base of your palm.
Watch Lok-Tin Yao teach serving here:
More: Beyond Serves and Spikes: Volleyball Conditioning
Next up, spiking: The spike is the sport's most dangerous weapon as it's the quickest and most efficient way to score points. Of course, it's important to have a good approach when you spike. For people who spike with their right hand, step left, right, left in your approach. Lefties should step right, left, then right. Once you approach powerfully, bring both arms up and draw the elbow of your hitting arm back like a bow and arrow. As you swing, whip your arm forward. Create contact on the ball with an open hand and snap your wrist forward. Believe it or not, a strong follow through and snap can make a big difference.
Watch Lok-Tin Yao teach spiking here:
More: 6 Benefits of Team Sports for Kids
Last but not least, you've got blocking: Naturally, you cannot always be on the offensive, so it's important to block as it neutralizes your opponent's attacks and creates opportunities for your team. To start, have your feet parallel to the net with knees slightly bent so you are ready to jump at any time. Bring your arms up to chest height at a 90-degree angle. Once you are in the correct stance, jump up while pushing your arms out and up. Make sure to extend your arms over the net so that ball stays on the opposing team's side.
Watch Lok-Tin Yao teach blocking here:
With practice, these three drills will give you a solid foundation to take your volleyball game to another level!
Find volleyball camps for your ACTIVEkids
About the Author
Discuss This Article