Volleyball Drills for Kids (Ages 8–12)

Kids ages 8–12 learn volleyball best by playing small games, not by waiting in lines. Use 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2 and 3 vs 3 games on a short court, start with catching and throwing if the ball is hard to control, and turn every skill into a challenge or a score. Lighter youth volleyballs and a lower net make success much easier.

Age range

8–12

Best format

2 vs 2 or 3 vs 3

Ideal wait in line

Under 1 minute

Net height

See Court Dimensions

How kids learn volleyball best

• Small-sided games. Youth coaching guidance, such as USA Volleyball's, encourages lots of 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2 and similar games for young players and saving 6 vs 6 for older ones, because each child touches the ball much more often.
• Short lines, many balls. Two or three kids per ball is a good target.
• Catch first if needed. Letting kids catch and throw keeps rallies going while they learn where to move. Replace catches with real contacts one at a time.
• Right-sized gear. A lighter youth or “lite” volleyball and a lower net help kids use good form. For youth net heights, see Court Dimensions. For balls, see Volleyballs. Many national federations publish youth net heights and ball recommendations, so check your own national federation.
• Make it a game. Points, challenges and “beat your record” goals keep kids engaged.

Games-based drills for ages 8–12

1. Catch-and-throw 1 vs 1 (warm-up, 5–8 min)

Two kids face each other over a low net or rope on a small court (about 3 m wide per side). Players throw the ball over with two hands from above the forehead, like a set. The other player catches it, and throws it back from where they caught it. Score a point if the ball lands in. Progression: the catcher must catch at forehead height, then must set instead of catch.

2. Balloon or beach-ball keep-up (warm-up, 5 min)

Small groups keep a balloon or beach ball in the air using only forearms, then only hands. Count the group's best streak. Slow balls give younger kids time to move their feet.

3. Pass-and-catch target game (passing, 8–10 min)

In groups of three, one child tosses underhand, one passes, and one stands in a hula hoop near the net in zone 2 or 3 to catch. A catch inside the hoop scores 1 point. Rotate every 5 tosses. See Butterfly passing for the full-court version.

4. Serve to the treasure (serving, 8–10 min)

Scatter towels or hoops (“treasure”) on the far court. Kids serve from a spot they can reach, usually a few steps inside the end line. Hitting a treasure earns a point; landing in the court earns a smaller reward, such as stepping back one step. See Target serving.

5. Queen (or King) of the court 2 vs 2 (game, 15–20 min)

Run Queen of the court with teams of two on a short court. Allow one catch per side if rallies are too short.

6. Cooperative rally count (team, 5 min)

Two teams on opposite sides work together to keep the ball going over the net. Count the rally. Each new round, try to beat the record.

Watch it

Video: Front Range Volleyball Club on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Tips for parents and volunteer coaches

• Keep practices to about 60 minutes with lots of water breaks.
• Praise effort and good movement as much as results.
• End every session with a game.
• Use a short, fun warm-up with movement games (tag, relays with shuffles). See Warm-Up.

Drills used on this page

Deep dive: why small-sided games work

In a 6 vs 6 game, one player touches the ball while the others watch. In 2 vs 2, every child is involved in nearly every rally: they pass, set, or get ready for the next ball. More contacts mean more practice, and smaller courts mean the ball is more often within reach, so kids succeed more.

USA Volleyball's youth materials make the same point and suggest that 6 vs 6 be saved for older players. Small games also teach reading the game — where the ball is going and where to stand — which drills in a line can't teach.

Frequently asked questions