Approach footwork
Learn the 3-step and 4-step approach with no ball, then add a toss. The foundation for every attack.
Volleyball Hitting Drills
The best hitting drills train three things in order: footwork, arm swing and shot choice. Start with approach footwork without a ball, add a tossed or set ball once the steps are automatic, then hit into targets so players learn to aim, not just swing hard. Two or three focused drills, done with short rests between jumps, are worth more than a long line of random swings.
- Drills on this page
- 2 core + 2 linked
- Players needed
- 1 to 12
- Best age to start
- Once a player can toss and catch reliably
- Typical block
- 15–25 minutes
- Equipment
- Balls, net, cones or targets
The drills
Hitting lines
The classic coach-tossed or setter-fed line from zone 4, zone 2 or zone 3, with targets to aim at.
Pepper
Partner drill of dig, set, hit. Builds a controlled arm swing and ball control in small spaces.
Six-on-six wash
Hitting in real game rallies, against a block and live defense.
Key coaching principles
- Footwork first. A hitter with a good approach jumps higher and reaches the ball in front of the hitting shoulder. Fix the feet before you fix the arm.
- Last two steps matter most. For a right-hander the final two steps are left-right; for a left-hander, right-left. If the last step lands on the same side as the hitting arm, the player loses rotation and power.
- Contact high and in front. Players should reach to hit the ball at full extension, slightly in front of the hitting shoulder, not behind the head.
- Aim before power. Put cones or towels in zones 1, 5 and 6 on the far side. A ball hit into a target at medium speed beats a hard ball into the net.
- Count the jumps. Hitting is repeated jumping. Plan rest between turns and stop when form drops.
- Land on two feet. Every rep ends with a balanced two-foot landing on your own side of the center line.
How to build a hitting session
- Dynamic warm-up and arm circles (see warm-up), 8–10 minutes.
- Approach footwork with no ball, 5 minutes.
- Tossed-ball hitting, 5–10 minutes.
- Set-ball hitting lines with targets, 10 minutes.
- Finish with a game-like drill such as the wash, where hits count for points.
Watch it
Video: Coach Chijo on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.
Safety
Hitting means many jumps. Warm up first, keep the area under the net clear of loose balls, and teach a soft two-foot landing. Stop a player who is limping or landing heavily. See common injuries and warm-up.
Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hitting drill for beginners?
Approach footwork without a ball. It teaches the step pattern that every later hitting drill depends on.
How many hitting reps should a youth player take?
Keep it to quality reps with rest between turns. When the approach gets sloppy or landings get heavy, end the drill.
Should beginners hit from a toss or from a set?
Start with a toss from a coach, because it is easier to control. Move to a real set once players hit the tossed ball consistently.
Can I practice hitting without a net?
Yes. Footwork and arm swing can be practiced against a wall or into open space, and you can add the net later.