Use the self-feed to establish a comfortable forearm platform. Partners should send a predictable ball before changing the target or asking the passer to move.
Reset after moving
In the shuffle activity, the player returns to a useful ready position after the pass. Reduce the movement range when the contact becomes a reach or a rushed swing.
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
Lateral shuffle passing
Return to a useful ready position after a lateral forearm pass.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per pair Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: Partners face each other; receiver has a clear one-step area on both sides. Repeat the layout in separate personal or pair areas with full movement clearance. For an odd headcount, one trio swaps the observer after every two attempts.
Sender gives a gentle toss one step to the receiver’s right.
Receiver moves, passes back and returns to the starting position.
Receiver shows ready hands before the next toss to the left.
Swap after six feeds and slow down if the return step is rushed.
Coach’s cue: Move, pass, recover. Reset before the next ball.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Feed one side only with a pause after each pass.
Harder: Receiver calls the next side after recovering.
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.
65 more volleyball activities in Coach
Explore the full library, ask the AI coaching assistant, edit and save practices, and share plans with your team.
Recorded with a sample team and demonstration responses. Review activities and plans for your players before using them.
Questions coaches ask
How do I make the feed easier?
Lower the speed, shorten the distance and send the ball toward comfortable reach. Add movement only after the stationary contact is reliable.
Should players lock their knees?
Use a balanced, comfortable stance that allows movement. Follow the activity cues and avoid rigid positions that stop the player adjusting to the ball.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
Try the free practice generator for volleyball. It uses 10 starter activities per sport. Coach adds the full drill library, saved and editable plans, team calendars and AI coaching help.