Volleyball is a fun soccer drill for players between the ages of 10 to 14 years old.
The setup of this game involves setting a 30 by 50 yard grid. The game also requires cones which will be used to make a 1 yard channel on the field through the centre to act as the net. Alternatively, instead of the cones, you can also use a ladder on its side, a rope stretched between two poles or even a line of ball bags. The coach will need to divide the players into equal teams of two.
The game will begin with players using their half volley or juggling skills play volleyball. The difference of this drill and a normal volleyball game is that in this drill, players cannot use their hands to hit the ball. They can only use their chest, head or feet to control the pall before passing it back to the other team across the net. If the ball bounces in the centre of the net, it is a point for the opposing team. Initially, begin the game by allowing the ball to be able to bounce at least once before the player tries to control it and pass it back to the other team. Eventually, the game can be progressed to full volley for more advanced and professional players. In this game, the coach will keep the score as they do in tennis matches: 15-0, 30-15, and so on. The first team to be able to win two sets will win the match.
A pro tip for this drill is to encourage the players to juggle the ball before they return it and have them try to pass it to one another other in the air.
A coaching tip for this drill would be that if you need to leave some of the players out of other activities or a small-sided game , it’ll be helpful to set up a volleyball game for those players to play while they are waiting.