Once you can hit the ball a little, volleyball is about smart teamwork. These seven tips help you keep more balls in play. The skills themselves are in the forearm pass and how to play volleyball; never played? Read getting started with volleyball first.
Stay low and ready
Knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet, hands in front — ready to move any direction.
Move to the ball
Always get behind the ball so you can play it in front of your body instead of reaching beside it.
Call the ball
Shout "mine!" so you don't collide with a team-mate. Communication wins as many points as technique.
Play to your setter
Send the first ball calm and high to position 2/3 so your team can build. Power comes later.
Keep it simple
A clean ball up is worth more than a hard, wild hit. Choose safe over spectacular.
Cover your zone
Know what you're responsible for and trust your team-mates in theirs — leave no gaps.
Play lots of rallies
Try to keep the ball up as long as possible. Long rallies teach you more than spiking.
"Call the ball, move your feet and keep it simple — that beats trying to hit hard."
Common tactical mistakes
- Trying to hit hard instead of control.
- Standing still instead of getting behind the ball.
- Not communicating, so you collide or drop balls.
- Setting overhead too early before the pass is there.
Reliable sources
Want to practise (or are you a coach)? See our drill library for coaches. The official rules are at the FIVB.
Frequently asked questions
Which skill should I learn first?
The forearm pass — almost every rally starts with a bump off the forearms.
How do I avoid collisions with team-mates?
Always call the ball loudly ('mine!'). Communication is at least as important as technique.
Power or control first?
Control. A ball that lands neatly at your setter beats a hard, wild hit.
How do I improve fastest?
Play lots of rallies and small games; for targeted drills see the drill library.