Volleyball Drills for Kids

Ages 9-12

Fun volleyball drills for beginners and kids. Easy passing drills, setting drills, and serving drills perfect for youth players learning at home.

Kids ages 9–12 learn volleyball fastest when practice is simple, fun, and focused on fundamentals. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence with lots of successful ball touches—learning how to pass with a stable platform, set with soft hands, and serve with a consistent routine. These beginner volleyball drills are designed to help young players develop coordination, balance, and ball control without overwhelming them with complex systems.

The drills on this page emphasize the three most important building blocks for youth volleyball: setting, passing, and serving accuracy. Players who practice these fundamentals regularly improve faster in team practices and games because they can control the ball and repeat good technique under pressure. Keep sessions upbeat, celebrate small wins, and focus on consistency over power.

How to Use These Drills (9–12)

For ages 9–12, short and consistent practice works best. Use 20–35 minute sessions, 2–3 times per week. Start with a setting drill to build touch and confidence, then move into a passing/movement drill, and finish with serving accuracy.

A simple structure that works well:

  • 5–10 minutes: Setting (hand shape + soft contact)
  • 8–12 minutes: Passing/movement (ready position + balance)
  • 8–12 minutes: Serving targets (routine + accuracy)

Coaching tip: focus on one cue at a time (example: "quiet platform" for passing, or "triangle hands" for setting). Players progress faster when they can repeat one key habit consistently.

All Drills for Ages 9-12

Fizzles (Self-Setting)

Expert-recommended drill for beginners to develop hand shape and wrist flick.

Skill: SettingDifficulty: BeginnerDuration: 10 mins

Instructions

  1. Toss the ball overhead to yourself.
  2. Set the ball just a few inches high for 3 rapid reps.
  3. Catch and repeat.
  4. Focus on "triangle hands" and soft finger contact.

Coach Tips

  • Keep your hands above your forehead.
  • Use only your fingers, not your palms.
  • Keep your elbows out.

Exercises

  • Wall Sits - Builds the leg stamina needed for a stable setting base. (2 sets of 30s)

Low Catch Drill

A fundamental movement drill recommended by youth coaches to teach low-body positioning.

Skill: PassingDifficulty: BeginnerDuration: 12 mins

Instructions

  1. Partner tosses the ball high.
  2. Let the ball bounce once.
  3. Move to catch the ball just before its second bounce in a low squat.
  4. Keep your back straight and arms ready in a platform.

Coach Tips

  • Beat the ball to the spot.
  • Stay on the balls of your feet.
  • Don't let your knees touch the ground.

Exercises

  • Bear Crawls - Improves upper body control for better platform management. (3 sets of 10 yards)

Service Target Practice

Standard accuracy training using hula hoops or zones, as recommended by USA Volleyball.

Skill: ServingDifficulty: BeginnerDuration: 15 mins

Instructions

  1. Place hula hoops or mats in different zones of the court.
  2. Stand at the 10-foot line (progressing back as skill improves).
  3. Use underhand serve mechanics to hit the targets.
  4. Focus on a consistent "rock and pop" movement.

Coach Tips

  • Step with your opposite foot.
  • Swing your arm like a pendulum.
  • Contact the ball with the heel of your hand.

Exercises

  • Superman - Strengthens the posterior chain for serving posture. (3 sets of 10 reps)

FAQ (9–12)

What are the best volleyball drills for kids ages 9–12?

The best drills at this age focus on fundamentals: simple setting reps, basic passing movement, and easy serving accuracy. These build confidence and ball control quickly.

How long should kids practice volleyball?

For most kids, 20–35 minutes per session is ideal. Short sessions keep focus high and make it easier to practice consistently.

Should kids start with underhand serving?

Yes. Underhand serving helps young players learn a consistent routine and contact point. Overhand serving can be added later when control improves.

Can these drills be done at home?

Many beginner drills can be practiced at home with a ball and safe open space. Setting reps and controlled movement drills are especially home-friendly.

How often should a beginner practice to improve?

2–3 times per week is a great starting point. Consistency matters more than long workouts.