How to Be Good at Volleyball

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Whether you’re playing volleyball at school, at a community center, or on the beach, strive to be the best player you can be. Developing from an average player to a good player demands patience, dedication and a focus on improving your skills. You can hone your skills by being willing to constantly learn, change tactics and practice a lot.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Practicing Basic Techniques

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  1. In order to practice volleyball, you need access to good equipment, including a comfortable outfit that allows a range of body motion, shoes specifically designed for volleyball, and a good quality volleyball. As well, you should have access to a volleyball net and court.
    • Men, especially taller men, may need to opt for a basketball shoe instead of a volleyball shoe.
    • In order to do some volleyball drills, it can be helpful to practice against a tall smooth wall or a basketball hoop.
  2. When you play volleyball, you will assume a basic ready position. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. Make sure your body weight is more on the balls of your feet so that you are ready to move quickly. [1] Hold your arms loosely in front of you
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  3. Many volleyball moves require you to move quickly from side to side. Minimize the amount of movement (and the amount of energy required) by shuffling your feet side to side. Stand in the basic ready stance and move sideways in a straight line. Keep your body low to the ground. [2]
    • Do not cross your feet over one another while shuffling. You might trip.
    • Once you’ve got the hang of shuffling your feet, start integrating it into other drills, such as passing the ball to another player.
  4. Serving the ball is done from one back corner of the court. The ball is hit over the net. This puts the ball in motion in the game. To serve the ball, toss the ball straight up into the air with one hand. Bring your other arm up over your head to hit the middle of the ball. Make sure to fully extend your arm, and make contact with the ball when your arm is extended. It is also important to make sure the ball is in front of you when you make contact with it. Keep your arm moving downward in order to follow through with the hit. Your footwork is also very important here, as it can determine how hard you hit the ball, and if it even goes over the net. you can either start with the foot opposite of the hand you're hitting with, or on the same side as your hitting hand. If you start on the same side that you hit with, you will take another step, and lean on that opposite foot for leverage.If you start on the opposite foot you hit with, you will simply toss the ball, and lean in as you hit. You will need to see which works best for you, and also practice your timing. [3]
  5. Stand in the basic ready position as the ball is moving downward. Position yourself just behind where the ball will land. The earlier you’re ready to hit the ball, the more time you have to make minor adjustments.
    • Put your arms together in front of you with your elbows close together. Hold the back of your hand in the palm of your other hand and press your thumbs together. Don’t swing your arms; rather, move your shoulders to pass the ball. [4]
    • Use the force of your core and lower body to power the ball in the right direction.
  6. Setting the ball is a maneuver in which one player makes contact with the ball, setting it up for another player to spike the ball. Set the ball by raising your arms above your head. Touch all of your fingertips together and then pull your hands apart so there is just enough room for the volleyball. When the ball comes down over the net or is passed from another player on your team, get under the ball and bounce it up with your fingertips. [5]
    • Do not touch the ball with your palms. A correct set uses only the fingertips of the thumbs, index fingers and middle fingers.
    • Work up to properly setting the ball by first catching the ball in between your fingertips. Once you’ve mastered the ball settling into your hands smoothly and with balance, then work on springing the ball into the air with your fingertips.
  7. Spiking the ball is a technique to hit the ball forcefully over the net so that the other team has a hard time recovering the ball. Spike the ball after another player on your team sets the ball. As the ball moves upward in the air, jump up to meet the ball at its highest point. Hit the top of the ball with the middle of your hand: this will give the ball a solid top-spin, sending it over the net. [6]
    • Spiking the ball effectively requires good timing. If you jump too early or too late, you’ll miss hitting the ball at the best position. Practice spiking frequently to hone your timing.
  8. Volleyball is a sport that demands keeping your eye on the ball at all times and knowing when to pass, spike or hit the ball over the net. Having a good sense of timing will strengthen your defense.
    • Develop your sense of timing by practicing drills that emphasize timing, such as blocking the ball at the net. Blocking the ball will demand that you watch the ball carefully and keep your eye on other players’ movements.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Practicing Your Techniques

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  1. Set up a target such as a ball cart at an opposite back corner of the court from where you’re standing. Practice serving the ball to the target. Count how many balls hit the target or land in the ball cart. [7]
  2. A basketball hoop is a good partner for practicing techniques such as passing, setting and serving.
    • Pass or set the ball towards the hoop. Stand at the foul line, or about 15 feet (5 m) away. Toss the ball into the air and pass or set the ball towards the hoop. Try making a basket with your passes.
    • Serve the volleyball at the hoop. Start at the foul line, or about 15 feet (5 m) away. Aim for the square on the backboard. Try hitting the square 10 times in a row.
  3. When you don’t have a partner, you can still use a solid, smooth wall as an imaginary partner. Use the wall by passing the ball towards the wall. Hit the ball when it rebounds to you.
  4. If you are able to practice on a volleyball court with a net and a partner, always practice like you’re playing in a game. For example, if you are working on passing the ball, have your partner send the ball over the net to you. If you are practicing spiking the ball, do so over the net. [8]
  5. There are many combinations of drills that integrate serving, passing, setting and other skills. Search online for suggestions, or talk with your coach or trainer to learn more drills.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Improving Your Vertical Jump Height

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  1. Having a high vertical jump will enable you to be a more formidable player, giving you an advantage over your opponent. Achieve high jumping with plyometrics, which are movements that are completed with a lot of force very quickly. [9] Measuring your current jump height will give you a good indication of how much you are improving. To measure your height:
    • Ask someone to observe you. Jump up as high as you can next to a wall while reaching your arms upward. Have your observer mark on the wall how high you jumped and measure the height.
    • You can also put a bit of chalk on your hands. As you jump up against a wall, extend your arm upward and touch the wall at the highest point you can reach. Measure that height.
  2. Use a surface that is about 2 feet (0.6 m) off the ground, such as a jump box or bench. Face the box and jump on it with both feet landing flat and balanced. Do 3 sets of 20 repetitions every day. When this height becomes easy for you, add more height and challenge yourself further. [10]
  3. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and hold 10-pound weights in each hand at your sides. Bend your knees and jump up in the air. At the same time, shrug your shoulders to help lift the weights. Land back down with both feet firmly balanced on the floor. Complete 3 sets of 25 repetitions every day. [11]
    • When this weight becomes easy, increase your weights in 5-pound increments.
    • Alternately, use a medicine ball instead of weights. Lift the ball above your head as you jump up. Bring the ball back to your chest when you land on the ground. [12]
  4. In between other exercises, jump rope as quickly as possible for 30-second intervals. This will not only improve your ability to jump quickly and with height, but it will also improve your endurance and cardio performance.
  5. Training your leg muscles will help you jump higher with more force. Do squats, deadlift weight training, and other strength training for your legs 2-3 times a week. [13]
  6. After spending two weeks on these types of jump training exercises, re-measure your jump height to see how much you have improved. If you haven’t improved as much as you’d like, keep working at these drills.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Getting Your Body in Shape

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  1. Doing a variety of exercises, from cardio to strength training, will help you get your body in shape to play volleyball effectively. Plan to exercise for an hour 4-5 times per week.
    • Consult with your physician before starting any exercise program.
  2. Having a strong upper body is essential so that you are able to block and spike the ball with force. Do exercises that build muscle strength in your chest, shoulders, arms and core, such as rowing, bench pressing and push pressing. Doing core strengthening exercises, such as Pilates, will also help.
  3. Training your leg muscles will help you jump higher with more force. Do squats, deadlift weight training, and other strength training for your legs 2-3 times a week. [14]
  4. Your muscles will need breaks from intense training that you will do, so be sure to schedule days off to allow your body to recover. Have an intense training day on Friday, for example, and give yourself rest days on the weekend.
  5. Being well rested will replenish your energy level every day so that you are ready to give it your all on the court. Get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and 1-2 additional hours per night if you are a teenager.
  6. Feed your body with foods rich in nutrients and vitamins. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with protein and whole grains. Avoid refined sugars and refined carbohydrates.
  7. Keep your body hydrated, especially when you are exercising rigorously every day. Before you exercise, drink an extra 25-30 ounces of water, and then drink 8 ounces of water for every 15 minutes you exercise. [15]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Learning from Others

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  1. Find a qualified coach or trainer who can work with you one-on-one to help you with drills and technique. Talk with the coaching staff at your school, community center or at a volleyball camp in your area to find a person who is willing to take you on.
    • Alternately, find a player with more years of experience than you. This person may be willing to mentor you and help you improve your skills.
  2. Volleyball teams are organized through schools, community centers and YMCA centers. Join a team or league to get regular practice and to participate in scrimmages or matches.
  3. Ask your coach or other teammates about summer camps or clinics that they might recommend. These range from one day clinics to week-long camps. Search online for a camp or clinic in your area.
  4. Watch how professionals play the game. Pay attention to their strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and interactions with other players.
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Play Volleyball Like a Pro with this Expert Series

Volleyball is an incredibly fun sport, and it's great exercise too. But there are some essential skills you need to master in order to become an effective player. Learn them all with this expert series!
1
Play Volleyball
2
How to Score Points in Volleybvall
3
Set a Volleyball
4
Hit a Volleyball
5
Serve a Volleyball
6
Spike a Volleyball

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I actually play volleyball?
    Community Answer
    So, you have a team of six people and each person is in a specific position. You rotate from that position when it is your team's turn to serve. Basically, you have to get the ball over the net in 1-3 hits. Usually, one person bumps it to the setter, who then sets it up for whoever the hitter is. The hitter then hits (spikes) it over the net. This will make the ball harder to play back, which is a good thing because then your team will get the point. Whoever gets 25 points first wins that game. Then, whoever wins the most games for the set wins. You can learn more here: How to Play Volleyball .
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    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 60
  • Question
    At the moment I don't have a volleyball, so can I use a basketball for practice?
    Community Answer
    A basketball is a lot harder and heavier than a volleyball, so it is not very useful for practice. You will have to hit it with a lot more force and you could hurt yourself.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 55
  • Question
    How do I get better at volleyball?
    Community Answer
    Practice. Even if you are experienced already, you can practice every small detail to make yourself better. Get a experienced volleyball player or trainer to help you. Join a team so you can get continuous practice on your game. Practice makes perfect!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      • Be patient when practicing volleyball. Volleyball skills are mastered through repetition and drills. This will take time, but with dedication and focus, your practicing will pay off. [16]
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about playing volleyball, check out our in-depth interview with Matthew Thibodeaux .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-skills.html
      2. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-skills.html
      3. ↑ http://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-techniques.html
      4. ↑ http://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-skills-passing.html
      5. ↑ http://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-skills-setting.html
      6. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-spike.html
      7. ↑ http://www.stack.com/2012/08/20/volleyball-serving-drills/
      8. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-skills.html
      9. ↑ http://www.stack.com/2012/02/11/how-to-improve-your-vertical-leap-for-volleyball-with-jump-training-part-2-plyometrics/
      1. ↑ http://www.volleywood.net/volleyball-features/bodyvelopment/improve-your-vertical-jump/
      2. ↑ http://www.volleywood.net/volleyball-features/bodyvelopment/improve-your-vertical-jump/
      3. ↑ http://www.stack.com/2012/02/11/how-to-improve-your-vertical-leap-for-volleyball-with-jump-training-part-2-plyometrics/
      4. ↑ http://www.stack.com/2012/02/04/how-to-improve-your-volleyball-game-with-jump-training-part-1-strength-training/
      5. ↑ http://www.stack.com/2012/02/04/how-to-improve-your-volleyball-game-with-jump-training-part-1-strength-training/
      6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/water-for-exercise-fitness?page=2
      7. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-skills.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To be good at volleyball, practice serving a volleyball at a wall and hitting it when it rebounds to you. You can also practice passing or setting into a basketball hoop from about 15 feet away. If you have a net and a partner available, try practicing like you're in a game by passing and spiking over the net. Additionally, you need to be in good physical shape, so try to exercise 4-5 times a week with a variety of cardio and strength training exercises. For more tips, including how to improve your vertical jump height, read on!

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