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Fundamentals First: Building a Strong Foundation for Youth Volleyball Players

Writer's picture: Top Notch StaffTop Notch Staff

Updated: Oct 4, 2024


As a parent of a young volleyball player, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's development and fostering their love for the game. One of the most important aspects of youth volleyball is establishing a solid foundation of fundamental skills. In this article, we'll explore why focusing on fundamentals is essential and provide practical tips for helping your child master the basics of volleyball.

The Importance of Fundamentals

Mastering fundamental volleyball skills is critical for several reasons:

  1. Proper technique prevents injuries and improves performance

  2. Strong basics allow players to progress to more advanced skills

  3. Confidence in core skills enhances overall gameplay

  4. Fundamentals are transferable across different positions and playing styles

By emphasizing fundamentals early on, you're setting your child up for long-term success and enjoyment in volleyball.

Key Fundamental Skills

Let's break down the essential fundamental skills your child should focus on:

1. Passing (Forearm Pass or "Bump")

Passing is the foundation of volleyball, as it's often the first contact with the ball after a serve or attack

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. To help your child develop proper passing technique:

  • Practice the correct hand position: Hands clasped together, thumbs side by side

  • Emphasize a wide, low stance with bent knees

  • Focus on contacting the ball with the forearms, not the hands

  • Encourage following through towards the target

Try this simple drill at home: Have your child stand about 5-10 feet from a wall. Toss the ball against the wall, and have them pass it back using proper technique. Gradually increase distance and speed as they improve.

2. Setting

Setting is crucial for creating scoring opportunities. To help your child develop setting skills:

  • Practice the correct hand position: Hands shaped like a triangle above the forehead

  • Emphasize using fingertips, not palms, to contact the ball

  • Focus on a quick, explosive push from the legs and arms

  • Encourage consistent ball placement

A fun at-home drill: Have your child set the ball to themselves, trying to maintain a consistent height. Challenge them to complete 10 sets in a row without moving their feet.

3. Serving

Serving is how each rally begins, making it a critical skill to master

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. To improve your child's serving:

  • Start with the underhand serve for beginners

  • Progress to overhand serving when ready

  • Focus on consistent contact point and follow-through

  • Practice aiming for specific areas of the court

Try this serving drill: Set up targets (e.g., hula hoops or towels) on the floor and have your child aim for them while serving. Award points for accuracy to make it more engaging.

4. Attacking (Hitting)

While more advanced, introducing basic attacking techniques early can be beneficial. Help your child develop attacking skills by:

  • Teaching proper approach footwork (left-right-left for right-handed players)

  • Emphasizing a strong arm swing and follow-through

  • Practicing arm swings without the ball to develop muscle memory

  • Focusing on contacting the ball at the highest point of the jump

A simple drill to try: Have your child practice their approach and arm swing without a ball, focusing on timing and form. Once comfortable, introduce a suspended ball (e.g., hung from the ceiling or a tree branch) for them to hit.

5. Ball Control

Overall ball control is crucial for success in volleyball. Improve your child's ball control by:

  • Practicing various types of touches (bumps, sets, light tosses)

  • Encouraging solo wall drills for consistent repetition

  • Playing catch games that require quick reactions and hand-eye coordination

Try this ball control game: "Keep it up" - Challenge your child to keep the ball in the air using any legal volleyball contact. See how many touches they can get before the ball drops.

Creating an Effective Practice Environment

To help your child develop these fundamental skills, consider the following tips:

  1. Make it fun: Incorporate games and challenges into practice sessions to keep your child engaged.

  2. Focus on quality over quantity: It's better to perform fewer repetitions with proper technique than many with poor form.

  3. Provide positive reinforcement: Celebrate small victories and improvements to boost confidence.

  4. Be patient: Mastering fundamentals takes time. Encourage persistence and a growth mindset.

  5. Use appropriate equipment: Consider using lighter volleyballs or even beach balls for younger players to build confidence

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  6. Encourage practice outside of team sessions: Set up a small area at home for your child to practice regularly.

Balancing Skill Development with Game Play

While focusing on fundamentals is crucial, it's also important to allow your child to experience actual gameplay. This helps them understand how their skills apply in real situations and keeps their interest in the sport high. Consider these approaches:

  1. Modified games: Use simplified versions of volleyball (e.g., 2v2 or 3v3) to give players more touches on the ball.

  2. Skill-specific scrimmages: Organize short games that focus on particular skills, such as serving or passing.

  3. Positive coaching: During games, emphasize effort and proper technique rather than just the outcome.

  4. Rotation of positions: Encourage your child to try different positions to develop a well-rounded skill set.

Supporting Your Child's Volleyball Journey

As a parent, your role in supporting your child's volleyball development extends beyond just practicing skills. Here are some additional ways to help:

  1. Attend games and practices: Show interest in your child's progress and offer encouragement.

  2. Communicate with coaches: Stay informed about your child's development and areas for improvement.

  3. Encourage a healthy lifestyle: Proper nutrition and rest are essential for athletic performance.

  4. Foster a love for the game: Watch professional volleyball matches together and discuss strategies and skills.

  5. Manage expectations: Remember that development takes time, and every child progresses at their own pace.

Conclusion

Focusing on fundamental skills is essential for building a strong foundation in youth volleyball. By emphasizing proper technique, creating a positive learning environment, and balancing skill development with gameplay, you can help your child develop a lifelong love for volleyball while setting them up for future success in the sport.Remember, the goal at this stage is not just to create skilled players, but also to foster a passion for the game that will keep them engaged and motivated for years to come. With patience, persistence, and the right approach to fundamentals, your child can build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in volleyball and beyond.

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