Partner Passing Drill (Toss and Pass)

In this partner drill, one player tosses the ball and the other forearm-passes it back to the tosser's forehead. Because the toss is soft and predictable, beginners can focus on the ready position, the platform and moving their feet. Once most passes are on target, the tosser makes the player move, and then partners pass back and forth without catching.

Focus

Forearm passing

Level

Beginner

Players

2 per ball

Time

8–12 min

Equipment

1 ball per pair

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Purpose

Learn a steady forearm pass: a low, ready stance, a flat platform angled toward the target, and feet that move to the ball before the arms do.

Setup

• Players: 2 per ball: a tosser and a passer. A whole team can work in pairs at the same time.
• Equipment: 1 volleyball per pair. No net needed.
• Space: a flat area about 6 m long per pair.
• Time: 8–12 minutes.

Partners face each other about 3 m apart. On a court, line pairs up across the width of the court with a few steps between pairs, so all passes travel in the same direction. For passing technique, see Passing.

How to run it

1. The passer stands in a ready position: feet wider than the shoulders, knees bent, weight forward, arms relaxed in front.
2. The tosser makes a soft, two-handed underhand toss to the passer’s waist.
3. The passer joins the hands to make a flat platform, angles it toward the tosser and passes the ball back to forehead height.
4. The tosser catches the ball above the forehead and tosses again. After 10 passes, swap roles.
5. Next round, the tosser tosses one step to the passer’s left or right. The passer shuffles to get behind the ball before passing.
6. When most passes reach the tosser, both partners pass the ball back and forth without catching.

Scoring

The passer scores 1 point for each pass the tosser can catch above the forehead without moving their feet. Score out of 10, then swap. In the no-catch version, count passes in a row and try to beat your pair's record.

Coaching cues

• “Ready low.” Knees bent and weight forward before the toss.
• “Feet first, then platform.” Move to the ball, then put your arms together.
• “Straight arms, thumbs together.” Elbows locked, so the platform stays flat.
• “Angle to target.” Point the platform at your partner, not at the ceiling.
• “Lift, don't swing.” Use a small push from the legs instead of a big arm swing.

Common mistakes

• Swinging the arms. The ball flies too high or too far. Fix: keep the arms still and push gently with the legs.
• Ball hits the hands or wrists. The pass goes anywhere. Fix: contact the ball on the flat part of the forearms, above the wrists.
• Reaching to the side. The platform turns and the ball goes off to the side. Fix: shuffle so the ball arrives in front of your body.
• Standing tall. Low balls are hard to reach. Fix: bend your knees before every toss.
• Bent elbows. The platform is uneven. Fix: lock the elbows and press the thumbs together.

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: stand 2 m apart and toss right to the passer's waist.
• Easier: use a lighter ball.
• Harder: step back to 4–5 m.
• Harder: the tosser mixes short, deep, left and right tosses.
• Harder: the passer passes to a hoop or cone placed beside the tosser.
• Harder: move to a net: the tosser sends an easy ball over the net and the passer passes it to a target.

Safety

Keep pairs spread out so stray balls don't roll under other players' feet. Wear knee pads once tosses make players move low.

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