Contact Help center
Volleyball Volleyball
HOME Volleyball SEARCH

Volleyball: the set

the set DRILLS
View All

4 Player Passing Rotation

Working in 4's with the final player throwing the ball back to the feeder under the net. Once the drill starts the setter passes the ball to a target player at the net. The net player then sets the ball for the wide player who receives it and then returns the ball ready for the drill to start again. This drill can be measured in time or good repetitions.

2 Warm Up

Bump, set, bump, set!

Working in pairs, one player sets the ball to the their partner who moves to meet the ball using good footwork to bump the ball back to their partner who catches the ball. Ensure the player bumping the ball lets the ball bounce on their wrists and only makes minor adjustments to give direction to the ball (back to the setter).

2 Warm Up

From Laying To Spiking

The player at the back of the court passes the ball to a setter and lies down. The setter then overhand passes the ball high before setting the ball up for the other player, who has now returned to his feet, to approach and spike the ball.

6 Advanced Drills

Game Passing Practice

Players work in groups of 4. To start this drill one player throws the ball over the net. The player on the other side moves to be under the ball and then bumps it to the player to their right at the net. The setter then passes the ball to the fourth player who already has a ball. As soon as the ball is thrown/served by the feeder the fourth player should throw his ball, bouncing once before it reaches them, so that they're ready to serve the ball as soon as the setter has passed the ball back to the fourth player.

4 Passing Drills

Passing Pattern - Dig, Pass and Set

Players start this passing pattern with a defensive dig to themselves, followed by a push into the air and then set the ball across the net to player 2 who repeats this pattern. Dig - (self) Pass - Set

3 Grass roots

Run and Pass

Set up four cones in a square in one half of the court, with a player and a ball on each. The remainder of your players should line up a couple of meters behind the back line. On the coach's whistle players take it in turns to run out each cone in turn where they play a pass and return before running to the next station to play another pass and return.

4 Passing Drills

Set and Spike relay

Rhythm hitting; the coach feeds the setter to set a hitter for their partner. After they have hit the ball they run around an object near the baseline of the court and then repeat.

1 Techniques

Set, Push and Catch drill Over Net

Two players, one either side of the net. Push the ball in to the air before the set to partner, partner then catches the ball, pushes it into the air and sets to partner.

3 Grass roots

Volley Pass

The first player starts the game with a throw over the net. The two players on the other side of the net communicate - with one moving towards the net and the other who volleys the ball while their partner moves to meet the ball. The player that has moved to the net faces their partner to receive and return the pass. The player who first passed the ball moves towards the net and points to where they want the next high pass to be placed. The player then volleys the ball over the net. After this both players should return to a side by side playing position ready to play defence and start the drill again.

4 Passing Drills

Set-bounce-set 10 Setting Dril...

Each player has a ball and should stand inside a 2m-diameter circle drawn with chalk. The player throws the ball high above his/her head - it should be overhand passed up so it bounces inside the circle. The player should allow the ball to bounce, get into position to use the overhand pass again to push the ball back into the air. Alternate passing and bouncing.

General

Set Backwards Twice 10 Setting...

Players stand in pairs on each side of the court. The player at the front sets the ball backwards to their teammate and makes a spin so that they are now facing their teammate, who then sets the ball back to the player facing them. This player now sets the ball backwards across the court to the other pair, who do the same thing.

General

Bump, set, bump, set! 2 Warm U...

Working in pairs, one player sets the ball to the their partner who moves to meet the ball using good footwork to bump the ball back to their partner who catches the ball. Ensure the player bumping the ball lets the ball bounce on their wrists and only makes minor adjustments to give direction to the ball (back to the setter).

General

Near and far - Set Passing 2 W...

In pairs half a metre from the net players volley the ball cooperatively over the net moving side-ways until they reach the end of the net. Players then move back to the 3 metre line and volley the ball high to each other moving the opposite way until they reach the other end of the net where they move back close to the net and repeat.

General

Passing Pattern - Dig, Pass an...

Players start this passing pattern with a defensive dig to themselves, followed by a push into the air and then set the ball across the net to player 2 who repeats this pattern. Dig - (self) Pass - Set

General

Set And Hands Clap 10 Setting ...

Players work in pairs and stand across the court from each other. One player starts with the ball and overhand passes the ball high in the air and then claps their hands over the head and behind their back before the ball comes down. Once the ball comes back down, the players sets it to their partner, who does the same thing.

General

Set, Push and Catch drill Over...

Two players, one either side of the net. Push the ball in to the air before the set to partner, partner then catches the ball, pushes it into the air and sets to partner.

General

Catch and Set VST:CATCH IN VOL...

A close up example of a Catch and a Set.

General

Get Up and Set 10 Setting Dril...

Players start by lying on their back on the baseline. When the coach whistles, they quickly get up and overhand pass the ball to themselves while moving forwards and backwards from the net.

General

Slow Motion Set 1 Techniques -...

General

Jump Set 10 Setting Drills - V...

This drill can be performed in pairs, or players can perform it individually against a wall. Players set the ball either to their partner or against the wall, and alternates between setting while standing on their feet, and setting with a jump.

General

Set And Shuffle 10 Setting Dri...

Two players stand on each side of the court, with two balls between the four players. These two balls should be with players on the same side. The two players with balls set to the players opposite them, and switch places with the other player who set the ball. The players opposite meanwhile, set the ball back but stay where they are.

General

Volleyball: Defensive Dig and ...

A defensive dig before a push into the air and then sets across the net to player 2.

General

Set and Switch 4 Passing Drill...

Start with the ball with one of the middle players who volleys the ball to the middle player they volley it back to the outside player who then volleys over the two middle players to the outside player on the opposite side as the other players are working the players that have just worked change places and repeat. This exercise is for players to be able to control the ball over differing distances. Again this can either be measured by time or number of good volleys.

General

Throw and set 10 Setting Drill...

In pairs, the players stand facing each other with one ball. Player 1 throws the ball using an underhand pass, over player 2's head who then sets it back.

General

Zone 3 Spin And Set 10 Setting...

Player starts behind the attack line and overhand passes the ball to zone 3 and runs forward to the net. Once in zone 3, the player overhand passes the ball high, before turning around and setting the ball directly to a target. The target can be anything from another player, to a cone, or even to a netball ring as shown in the video.

General

Dig Volley Roll Warm Up 2 Warm...

Volley the ball to your partner who digs the ball to themselves then volleys the ball back to you, whilst they are doing that you do a dive, roll or something else then they do the same as you dig and volley. Do this for a set time or number of good contacts.

General

Set, Dig and Smash Drill 6v6 -...

Player 1 sets the ball to player 2 who sets the ball back to player 1 then defensive digs the ball up in the air to player 3 who sets to player 2 to smash back to player 1.

General

Set and Spike relay SMVT:SPIKI...

Rhythm hitting; the coach feeds the setter to set a hitter for their partner. After they have hit the ball they run around an object near the baseline of the court and then repeat.

General

Pass Short And Long 10 Setting...

Players work in threes with one player in the middle. A player from the outside sets to the middle player before receiving the ball back. The middle player now turns 180 degrees and the player with the ball passes to the players at the other side of the court. Players on the outside set the ball once to the middle and then to the other side.

General

Set-run-set and get back 4 Pas...

The pair start from the sideline. On the coach's signal player 1 passes the ball forward using a overhand pass so the ball bounces on the other side of court. Simultaneously, he/she must run forward and set the ball back to player 2 after one bounce. Player 2 then overhand passes the ball forward and does the same

General

2 Player First time Set drill ...

2 Player First time set drill. Player passes the ball above head height to one another, waiting for the coach's whistle. Upon hearing the whistle the players must set to each other, then duck under the net and continue to set to each other.

General

Set Short, Set Further 10 Sett...

Players stand in pairs on each side of the court. The player at the front of the pair attempts to jump and set the ball to the player at the back of the pair opposite them before moving aside. This player then sets the ball to the players at the front of the pair opposite, who does the same. The drill now begins again.

General

Set And Spike 11 Spiking - Vol...

The spiker begins by setting the ball to the setter, who spikes the ball in return. The spiker now digs the ball in the air to the setter, who this time does set the ball up for the spiker to attack and hit over the net.

General

Serve and Set Drill 6 Advanced...

A drill that uses a combination of passes. Player 1 (acting as an opposition player) serves across to player 2 or Player 3 who lay the ball up to player 4 to set over the net.

General

Set To The Rim 10 Setting Dril...

Players stand in a row facing a basketball or netball rim. The aim is for the players to set the ball and attempt to get it to go through the rim. Players take turns and join the back of the queue after their set.

General

Set, call and move 2 Warm Up -...

Players stand in square formation. The aim is to set the ball vertically all the time. Player one starts in the middle of the 'square' and sets the ball high. He/she calls the name of the next setter and runs to take his/her place at the corner of the 'square' The player whose name has been called runs into the middle of the 'square', sets the ball high and call the name of another player. The player who has just set then runs to the position of the player he/she has just called out to.

General

Set and Move 4 Passing Drills ...

In threes the players line up in a row, around three metres apart from each other. The players on either end of the line face each other, Player 1 (standing in the middle) starts the drill by passing the ball to one of his/her team mates. Player 1 then runs and swaps position with player 2, who he/she has just passed to. Player 2 passes the ball to player 3, then runs to swap position with player who has just received the ball. Player 3 then passes the ball to player 1 and runs to swap position with him/her.

General

Setting up and passing forward...

Two players facing each other with one ball between them. Player one overhand passes the ball high above his/her head before forward passing the ball to their partner. Player 2 then receives the ball by setting the ball high above his/her head using a overhand pass before returning the ball to player 1.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
the set SESSIONS
View All

Game Skills Session - Developing Passing Patterns!

Improve your team's passing strategy - working together to move the ball and create more effective attacking opportunities!

Setting: Approach And Accuracy

Every good spike is backed by a good set. Coach your players accuracy and consistency in this session packed with video drills!

Take Advantage - Jump Serve Step by Step

Jump serve take over! - Control games with perfect power and accuracy from the set off.

Defending the backcourt and zone coverage

Develop your players' defensive ability from the backcourt area through boosting their movement, ball control and communication skills.
the set ANSWERS
View All

Volleyball coaching tips?

I am a 25-year old male and I have just been named the girls volleyball coach at a local middle school. Anyone have any good tips? Not just volleyball strategy, but how to deal with middle school girls? Thanks everyone. submitted by email

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

What are some good plyometric exercises for volleyball?

I am looking for some good plyometric exercises (for all levels) for volleyball?

tasneem harms Coach, South Africa

What are the rules of volleyball?

What are the rules of volleyball?

Archived User Coach

How do i teach 9 and 10 year olds to serve?

how do i teach 9 and 10 year olds to serve

Archived User Coach

Best stats program for the Android or iPad?

I am looking for the best stats program for Android or Ipad.  I am a high school girls varsity coach.  Any suggestions?

Archived User Coach

Temporary court lines. No tape.

We use a count gym that does not have lines for a volleyball court. We have been told we cannot use any tape. Any suggestions? All I can find online is floor tape.

Kristen Coach, United States of America

How can i develop a strength program during the season.

I would like to develop a program that athletes can use during the season, to build strength in the most important areas for a volleyball player.

Archived User Coach

Perfect Set technique

What is the best technique to effectively execute a set, I'm trying to teach someone to teach a team who has barely played before and I need knowledgeable information, thankyou !

Archived User Coach

How can I publish a Session?

Archived User Coach

Libero and serving in a set

Does the Libero have to wait one rotation before going into the serving position or can they go from replacing a player in the back row right to serving in position 1? I’m in Michigan Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Mindy Horman Coach, United Arab Emirates

drills for court awareness

looking for court awareness education and drills for my daughter.

Trisha Allmon Coach, United States of America

How do i purchase the cricket memberbership?

I cancelled the handball memberhip however, I would like to renew my membership with cricket. The only deal I see is a 15.99 however it should only be 5 pounds.

kelvin Coach, Wales

Membership

Hi there,I am wanting to know if you can still have the option of a 6 month subscription?I went to upgrade so I could access more drills and only got the option of monthly payments.Thanks for your help.Anne

Anne Langtry Coach, New Zealand

Change email

I have set up my account with the option to sign in with my google account. how can I change my email to another address? it does not seem to recognise my password.

Horia Cretu Coach, England

Summer volleyball club

I am a beginner volleyball player with skills in overhand and underhand serves, as well as blocking. I need to learn how to set and spike before joining the UNO Volleyball Club, which has a $25-$26 registration fee for tryouts.I started playing volleyball in 5th grade but focused on gymnastics and dance until now. I'm eager to improve my spiking technique and would appreciate any tips or drills for setting and spiking as I prepare for tryouts in May or June. Thank you!

dayja Coach, United States of America

Age Setting

How do i set the site for under 9 specific drills.

Cam Graham Coach, New Zealand

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Volleyball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
serve receivewarm upspikedigbasketballblockingserving drilldefenseunderhand servespikingserveservingvolleypassingdrillssettingdivingdigging

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

I've found this resource invaluable and of huge benefit to both my players and myself. Thanks for helping me to improve my coaching.

Kashif Pakistan

Very useful format and descriptions of drills. I am using Sportplan to update and formalise my trainings.

Tony Miller Australia

As a brand new coach I have found the drills to be of amazing help.

Joan De Petra New Zealand

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create professional volleyball coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested volleyball plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Volleyball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
basketball blocking cool down defense dig digging drill drills handball hitting drills passing passing drills search serve serving serving drill set setting setting drills smash spike spike drills spiking underarm serve underhand serve volley volleyball volleyball warm up warm up lesson 2
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of volleyball coaches plus 300+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT