Begin with the self-feed so players can prepare a platform before the ball arrives. In pairs, use gentle feeds and short distances.
Build a playable second ball
In one-bounce volleyball, the extra bounce gives players time to move. Keep boundaries clear and ask who will take the next contact before a pair converges.
01
Self forearm pass and catch
Create a repeatable forearm platform with a soft self-feed.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per player Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: Each player has a light volleyball and room for one step in every direction. Repeat the layout in separate personal or pair areas with full movement clearance.
Self-toss just above head height.
Join the forearms and send the ball a short distance upward.
Separate the hands and catch, then reset before another try.
Compare five attempts and keep the most controllable height.
Coach’s cue: Long platform, quiet arms. Lift enough to catch.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: A partner gives a gentle feed while the passer prepares early.
Harder: Complete two forearm contacts before catching.
Keep it safe: Use a light, age-appropriate volleyball and controlled contacts; no diving, body contact or maximum jumps. Check dry footing and overhead clearance; stop every group when a stray ball enters its space. Match challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer rest and shorter turns; the age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
02
Partner forearm passing to a moving target
Direct a forearm pass toward a partner who changes the target position.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per pair Time: 5–10 minutes
Set up: Pairs begin 3–4 metres apart with one ball; the receiver stays inside a comfortable one-step area. For an odd headcount, use one trio: the third player observes one cue and swaps in after each short turn.
Partner gently tosses to the passer and presents a target at chest height.
Passer moves their feet, sends one controlled forearm pass and returns to ready position.
After three catches, the target takes one small step to either side before the next toss.
Swap roles after six attempts and discuss the easiest contact point.
Coach’s cue: Arrive before the ball. Show the platform toward the target.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Keep the target still and shorten the toss.
Harder: The target moves before the toss, so the passer must look first.
Keep it safe: Check net anchors, overhead clearance and dry footing; stop the whole group for loose balls. No diving, blocking contact or maximum-effort jumping in these introductory activities. Match the challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer shorter turns and rest; the listed age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
03
One-bounce volleyball
Sustain a volleyball exchange with an extra bounce to prepare.
Group: 2–8 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball; 1 secured sport-appropriate net Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: One pair starts on opposite sides of a lowered net in the marked court; agree on a short reachable court area. Use the existing painted court markings; this activity has no unmarked-space substitute. Only the named group is active; additional players wait outside the run-off area and rotate after two short rallies or four feeds.
Begin with a gentle toss over the net.
Receiver allows one bounce, then makes a forearm pass across.
Partners aim toward one another to build three exchanges.
Reset after a stray ball and rotate the active pair; the bounce is a learning modification.
Coach’s cue: Use the extra time. Give your partner a playable arc.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Catch after the bounce and toss back.
Harder: Remove the bounce for one agreed exchange.
Keep it safe: Use a light, age-appropriate volleyball and controlled contacts; no diving, body contact or maximum jumps. Check dry footing and overhead clearance; stop every group when a stray ball enters its space. Match challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer rest and shorter turns; the age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
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Recorded with a sample team and demonstration responses. Review activities and plans for your players before using them.
Questions coaches ask
Should beginners play regulation rallies immediately?
A teaching game can allow a bounce or catch while players learn positioning. Explain that these are practice conditions and use league rules in matches.
What if forearm passing hurts?
Stop the activity for that player and check the ball, feed and technique. Do not ask a player to continue through pain.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
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