SQUADVBC Train with Coach April 10/20 & 27
Registration is open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April on Monday October 20 and October 27. From 5-6pm at the Las Vegas Basketball Center.SQUADVBC Train with Coach April 10/20 & 27 Registration is open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April on Monday October 20 and October 27. From 5-6pm at the Las Vegas Basketball Center.

Volleyball Drills For Youth 8 Fun Drills To Improve Your Ball Control

8 volleyball drills for youth you can use to help you get your pass to your setter, your serve over the net, and good hand placement on the ball for your spikes. 


Here are some volleyball drills for youth that you can do at home or in practice with a friend or teammate you are working out with at home or on their own or even during an open gym at your school.

Watch as Kenny and Jaylen work on controlling the ball to a consistent spot on the wall and then control the ball to themselves, then finally they control the ball to each other...repeatedly. 


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What six things are we working on in these volleyball drills for youth to improve our ball control skills?




What are the six things we are working on in these youth volleyball drills to improve our ball control skills?

  • Wide vision - when they first started doing this the partner on the end line was so focused on looking up at the ball that they didn't even know when their partner had left to go under the net.


  • Staying behind the ball - when doing the dig-set-hit combination learn how to stay behind the ball so you keep the ball along with the net in your eye line …it helps you see more of the court.
  • Ball control, ball control, ball control.


  • Reaching high while learning what hand placement on the ball is needed to get the ball to the intended target.

  • Target practice- consistently getting the ball where you want it to go (in this case to your partner but during your match—to an open spot on the court).

More About These Types of Volleyball Drills for Youth



How precise is your passing?

Can you pass a ball to a target without making the target move..even one step?

Want to increase your passing precision?

Try standing at the free throw line on a basketball court and pass a ball from the free throw line into the  basketball basket....then shag your ball and jog to the other free throw line ...and try again.

Give yourself ten minutes jogging between free throw lines and see how many you can do.

You have to be very precise in order to pass the ball into a basketball basket...multiple times...it'll take a ton of attempts....and you'll fail a TON of times...but keep trying...


Volleyball Drills for Youth
Target Practice and Ball Control


Carmela and Kenny work on a full court partner ball control volleyball drill




  • Dig to yourself
  • Set to yourself
  • Down ball to your partner

What are they working on?

  • Reading the Hitter - so you know where to position yourself to dig their ball
  • Quick feet - quick reaction with hips below the level of the ball and straight elbows that control the ball on the dig


  • Controlling the first contact (dig) - so you can make a controlled second contact (set) from a balanced position without falling all over the place


  • Controlling the second contact (set) - so you can make a controlled third contact  (hit).
  • Hand placement on the ball - so you can direct it to go EXACTLY where you want it to go (in this case to your partner across the net but in most cases to an OPEN space on the opposing team’s court)



Frequently Asked Questions about the Hard Driven Spike in Volleyball



Q: What is a hard driven spike in volleyball?

A: A hard driven spike in volleyball refers to a powerful and aggressive offensive attack shot made by a player to score a point. The player jumps into the air and strikes the ball forcefully downward towards the opponent's court with the intention of making it difficult for the opposing team to defend or return the ball.

Q: What are the key elements of a successful hard driven spike?

A: Successful hard driven spikes require a combination of good timing, technique, and power. The player must approach the ball with a strong spike approach, jump explosively, make clean contact with the ball using a solid arm swing, and aim for specific court zones to maximize their chances of scoring a point.

Q: What court zones do hitters aim for when executing a hard driven spike?

A: Hitters aim for different court zones based on their position and the type of shot they intend to make. Generally, outside hitters aim for zones 4 and 5 on the opposing team's court, targeting the areas near the sideline and backline. Right side hitters usually aim for zones 2 and 4, while middle hitters aim for zones 2 and 3.

Q: How can I improve my ability to execute a hard driven spike?

A: To improve your hard driven spike, focus on developing your overall strength, vertical jump, and arm swing technique. Regularly practice your spike approach, timing, and footwork. Work on strengthening your core, legs, and shoulder muscles through specific exercises. Seek feedback from coaches or trainers and practice with a supportive team environment.

Q: Is the hard driven spike only for front row players?

A: No, the hard driven spike is primarily associated with front row players who are typically the primary attackers. However, backrow players can also execute a hard driven spike from behind the ten-foot line as long as they stay within the legal boundaries. This is commonly known as a backrow attack.

Q: What are some strategies for defending against a hard driven spike?

A: Defending against a hard driven spike requires good positioning, anticipation, and quick reactions. The defending team should form a solid block at the net to obstruct the hitter's attacking angles. Backrow defenders should be prepared to dig the ball, using proper footwork and body positioning to receive the hit with control. Communication and teamwork are also essential in coordinating defensive movements.

Q: Can a hard driven spike land out of bounds and still count as a point?

A: No, if a hard driven spike lands outside the boundaries of the opponent's court, it is considered out-of-bounds. As a result, the opponent will be awarded a point and the serving team will lose their serve. Hitters need to aim for the appropriate court zones to ensure the ball lands in play and has a chance to score a point.

Q: What are the common mistakes players make when attempting a hard driven spike?

A: Some common mistakes include improper footwork and approach, mistiming the jump, poor arm swing technique, and hitting the ball too high or too low. It's important to practice and refine these elements to maximize the effectiveness of your spike.

Q: Can players perform a hard driven spike with both hands?

A: No, a hard driven spike is typically executed with one hand. The other hand is used as a guide or balance during the approach and jump. Using both hands to strike the ball simultaneously is considered illegal in volleyball.

Q: Are there any specific drills that can help improve my hard driven spike?

A: Yes, there are several drills that can enhance your hard driven spike. Some examples include practicing spike approaches and footwork, hitting against a block, working on different types of hits like line shots and cross-court shots, and incorporating game-like situations in your drills to simulate real match scenarios.

Q: Can height or vertical jump limit someone's ability to perform a hard driven spike?

A: While height and vertical jump can have an impact, they are not the only determining factors. Proper technique, timing, and power are also crucial. Players of all heights can excel at executing hard driven spikes by focusing on their strengths and working on aspects like arm swing speed and accuracy. Additionally, improving overall fitness and strength can contribute to an increase in vertical jump height.


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Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience.

These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis.

Sign up now!Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!


Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 




8 Fun Volleyball Drills For Youth: 
Where Do You Go From Here?


Your three options are: 

  1. You can learn more about Volleyball Youth For Drills by visiting the Related Links below.  
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page  Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 

Learn more about volleyball drills for youth on these pages!



If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

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Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

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From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

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Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played) Checklist pdf:

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves Guide - $7


Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

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Stay strong! Stay motivated!

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Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
In It To Win It Tournament,
May 2-4, 2025 Tournament
A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club 
Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division





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