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"5 on 5 Dig or Die" Tip by Sue Bavone in Cheshire, CT.   My team absolutely loves this drill, and it brings out their competitive sides (and actually can get heated at times)! It also forces them to communicate because they are short a player, and the pace is fast.-Make teams of 5 and let the kids determine how they want to set up their positions. Also, let them pick a team name (they love this)!-Use a whiteboard to record each team's scores.-Each round consists of 20 balls alternated by a coach on each side. They should be entered...

Tip by George Mon, Allegro Volleyball Club in New Jersey. Preface: I read all the time about coaches that dread coaching the younger players 12-13's. I will be honest, it does take some research in how to coach 13's at the beginner level. And so this drill is part of a series of new drills in re-thinking a game plan, factoring in positive goals, building success and skills with limited time. I got started with a Carl Mcgown camp 25 years ago and he impressed on me to not waste time. This is designed as a warm-up drill - super...

Tip by Kris Maglunog in Phoenix, AZ.   Serve Receive ActivatorFocus on Side out, 6v6 Drill Rules: Teams must be "Activated" to score. How a team becomes activated, the team must score in serve receive. Once a team is activated, they will get unlimited freeballs until they lose the point. Teams play to 15 points. You can modify the drill based on your needs for the practice!- Middle Kill in Serve Receive Activator- First Ball Side Out Bonus Points- Must win the serve ball to be activatedetc.Team A serves to Team B. If Team B scores, they become "activated" and...

Tip by Patrick Helmas, Babson College in Wellesley, MA.   Circle of Life Warmup Drill.Minimum of 3 players, best if done with 4-6 players. For more than 6 players, add a blocker, or a second passer, or more people waiting in each line.To get one point:Team must successfully Serve>Pass>Set>Controlled Hit to a target>Dig to self, and the digger must Catch that dig.NOTE: on each play, the Server also Digs, and the Passer also Hits.After each attempt, rotate to the next spot:Server/Digger>Passer/Hitter>Setter>back in line to Serve.We normally spend 1 minute warming up and getting used to the drill, then do a...

Tip by Shel DeLisle, Milwaukee, WI. Early in the season, we often have trouble connecting with our middles. This drill helps us work on timing and communication between the setter(s) & middles.Middle Hitter Catch, Tip, AttackThis drill can be done in one direction on the court or both. I have enough players to run it in both directions.Side A:• Setter (can have in RF or come from behind RB as a progression)• 3 players in Serve Receive positions• Middle Hitter at net• Server(s) on end line with balls & ball courtSide B:• Setter (can have in RF or come from...