Core Principals & Skill Development

The Core Principles of the Woodbury Griffins Boys Volleyball Club Include

1. Skill Development: Teach fundamental volleyball skills (serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking) progressively.

2. Teamwork: Emphasize communication, trust, and collaboration on and off the court.

3. Fun & Engagement: Keep practices enjoyable to build a love for the sport.

4. Sportsmanship: Instill respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees.

5. Safety: Prioritize proper warm-ups, technique, and injury prevention.

   
   

Core Volleyball Skills Instruction for Youth Players

Overhand Serving

Purpose: Deliver the ball over the net to start play with control and accuracy.

Instructions:

1. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, non-dominant foot forward (e.g., left foot for right-handers), facing the target.

2. Ball Position: Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand at chest height, elbow straight but relaxed.

3. Toss: Use your non-dominant hand to toss the ball straight up about 2-3 feet above your head, slightly in front of your hitting shoulder.

4. Arm Swing: Pull your dominant arm back (like drawing a bow), elbow high, hand open and fingers spread.

5. Contact: Step forward with your front foot, swing your arm forward, and hit the ball with the heel of your hand (not fingers). Aim for a firm, flat contact.

6. Follow-Through: Let your arm continue downward toward the target, shifting weight to your front foot.

   
   

Passing (Forearm Bump)

Purpose: Receive the serve or a hit and direct the ball to the setter accurately.

Instructions:

1. Ready Position: Stand with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of your feet, arms relaxed in front.

2. Platform: Bring your arms together, elbows straight, thumbs aligned side-by-side (no crossing), forming a flat surface with your forearms.

3. Body Angle: Face your target (usually the setter). Angle your platform by tilting shoulders or bending knees—don’t swing your arms.

4. Contact: Let the ball hit the meaty part of your forearms (not hands or wrists). Keep arms still and use legs to push the ball up and toward the target.

5. Follow-Through: Hold your platform briefly after contact, then return to ready position.

Hitting (Attacking)

Purpose: Strike the ball over the net with power to score points.

Instructions:

1. Approach: Start 10-15 feet from the net. Take 3 steps: left-right-left (for right-handers) or right-left-right (for left-handers). Last step is biggest.

2. Jump: After the last step, bend knees, swing both arms back, then explode upward, arms swinging forward.

3. Arm Swing: Pull your hitting arm back (elbow high, hand by ear), non-hitting arm points at the ball.

4. Contact: Snap your wrist to hit the ball with an open hand (heel first), aiming down into the court. Contact should be at the peak of your jump.

5. Landing: Land on both feet, knees bent, ready to move

Setting

Purpose: Position the ball for a hitter to attack, using fingertips for precision.

Instructions:

1. Ready Position: Stand with knees bent, feet staggered (one slightly forward), hands raised above forehead, forming a triangle with thumbs and index fingers.

2. Ball Position: Move under the ball so it’s directly above your forehead.

3. Hand Placement: Catch the ball with fingertips (not palms), elbows bent and pointing outward.

4. Push: Extend your arms and legs simultaneously to push the ball upward toward the hitter’s position (e.g., outside or middle).

5. Follow-Through: Finish with hands pointing toward the target, fingers spread.

Blocking

Purpose: Stop or redirect the opponent’s attack at the net.

Instructions:

1. Ready Position: Stand 1-2 feet from the net, knees bent, hands up near shoulders, palms facing the net.

2. Timing: Watch the hitter’s approach and jump as they swing (not too early).

3. Jump: Push off with both legs, keeping body straight, arms extended upward.

4. Hand Position: Spread fingers wide, angle hands slightly inward to deflect the ball into the opponent’s court.

5. Landing: Land on both feet, knees bent, ready to transition.