Passing is one of the most practiced skills in volleyball, and one of the hardest to improve without clear constraints. These passing drills are built for club and high school coaches who need cleaner first contact and more stable sideout patterns.
Each drill includes setup, execution, and a coaching cue you can use immediately. Use this page as your passing drill library, then slot the drills into a full practice sequence at the end.
Passing quality controls your offense. When pass location drifts, setter options shrink and hitters become predictable. Tracking pass quality over time helps coaches connect passing reps directly to sideout efficiency.
Players needed: 6-12
Setup: Partners spread across both sidelines with one ball per pair. Mark target zones near middle front.
How it works: One player tosses controlled balls at varying heights. The passer must hold platform angle for one second after contact and aim to the same zone. Rotate every 6-8 reps.
Coaching cue: Freeze the finish and check shoulder line before giving feedback.
Players needed: 9-12
Setup: Use three passers, one setter target, and servers on one endline.
How it works: Each serve receive rep is scored: 3 for target pass, 2 for playable, 1 for out-of-system, 0 for ace. Run to a team score target before rotating passers.
Coaching cue: Reward platform discipline and seam communication, not just scrambling.
Players needed: 8-14
Setup: Place cones in seams and deep corners. Servers alternate short/deep and seam locations.
How it works: Passers must call seam ownership before the ball crosses the net. Stop reps when communication is late and replay the same serve.
Coaching cue: Early, loud calls prevent hesitation more than foot speed does.
Players needed: 8-12
Setup: Three passers, one setter target, and coach with a whistle cadence.
How it works: Coach whistles every 8-10 seconds. A serve is initiated on each whistle, forcing quick reset into base posture. Run in 90-second blocks.
Coaching cue: Reset feet before the next whistle to keep first move efficient.
Players needed: 10-14
Setup: Serve receive group on one side; extra ball with coach near sideline.
How it works: After each first contact, coach immediately tosses a second disrupted ball. Team must reorganize and still deliver a controlled second pass target.
Coaching cue: Train recovery body language after imperfect first contact.
Players needed: 8-12
Setup: Create a narrow setter target lane with floor tape.
How it works: Serve receive reps only count when ball lands in the taped lane. Misses trigger a quick team consequence (e.g., one sprint) to add pressure.
Coaching cue: Keep consequence short so the technical focus stays on passing.
Players needed: 8-12
Setup: Coach or servers alternate short float and deep driven balls.
How it works: Passers start in base and must read server contact to adjust depth quickly. Score groups on first-step direction and final pass quality.
Coaching cue: The first step wins the rep; evaluate movement before contact.
Players needed: 12
Setup: Full 6v6 with a serve receive unit scoring sideout attempts.
How it works: Each rally starts with a serve to the targeted receiver. Receiving team earns points only for immediate sideout success within three contacts.
Coaching cue: Connect serve receive habits to real scoring outcomes.
Most teams benefit from a 30-minute passing block that moves from technical reps to competitive sideout pressure.
Start with platform consistency, then layer in score pressure. Saving game-like sideout reps for the end keeps quality high.
SoloCoach is a volleyball practice planning app for club and high school coaches. Pull drills from a library, build a timed plan in minutes, and run your practice drill by drill with a countdown timer.
From the makers of SoloStats.
Build your first practice plan — free →