Top 5 Volleyball Tryout Drills: Your Essential Guide

The whistle blows. The gym is packed. Your heart is pounding. It’s tryout time! Every player wants to impress the coaches, but what are the best ways to show off your skills? Choosing the right drills can feel like a puzzle. You want drills that make you look good, but also show you’re a team player. How do you pick drills that highlight your strengths and make you stand out from the crowd?

This is where things get tricky. There are so many drills out there, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might worry about picking drills that are too easy, too hard, or just don’t show what you’re really good at. The pressure to perform can make even simple choices feel impossible. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this post, we’ll break down some fantastic drills perfect for volleyball tryouts. You’ll learn which drills best showcase your passing, setting, hitting, and defensive skills. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the drills that will help you shine and catch the coach’s eye. Get ready to ace your tryouts!

Our Top 5 Drills To Do At Volleyball Tryouts Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Drills To Do At Volleyball Tryouts Detailed Reviews

1. OVANTO Volleyball Training Equipment Aid Cards

OVANTO Volleyball Training Equipment Aid Cards, Solo Volleyball Rebounder Drills for Kids & Adults to Practice Anywhere.Volleyball Stuff Cards to Masterfully Set, Pass, Serve, Spike & Block

Rating: 9.4/10

Ready to take your volleyball game to the next level, all on your own? The OVANTO Volleyball Training Equipment Aid Cards are your secret weapon. These cards are packed with solo drills designed to help you master every aspect of the game, from setting and passing to serving, spiking, and blocking. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned player, these cards offer a fun and effective way to practice anywhere, anytime.

What We Like:

  • Master Your Skills Solo: These cards are like having a personal coach in your pocket. You can improve your warm-up, coordination, speed, defense, offense, and even your mindset without needing anyone else.
  • For Everyone: With 48 cards, each featuring clear images and descriptions, these drills are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players. They tell you exactly what to do and why it helps.
  • Extra Goodies Inside: Scan the QR code on the box, and you unlock video tutorials for every drill, e-books, and even a chance to plant a tree! It’s more than just practice; it’s an experience.
  • A Gift That Scores: These cards make a fantastic and safe gift for any volleyball fan, young or old. The fun, easy-to-follow drills are perfect for kids aged 8 and up.
  • Coach-Approved: Developed with a Division I coach, these cards are built on real expertise to help you improve your game.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Currently, there are no noted cons for this product.

These OVANTO Volleyball Training Cards are a fantastic tool for any player looking to practice and improve independently. They offer a comprehensive and engaging way to hone your skills and make practice sessions more effective and enjoyable.

2. The Art of Coaching Volleyball Drill Deck

The Art of Coaching Volleyball Drill Deck

Rating: 9.1/10

Tired of the same old volleyball drills? The Art of Coaching Volleyball Drill Deck is your new secret weapon! This awesome set of 52 playing cards is packed with simple, fun drills that will inject energy into every practice. Keep your players engaged and excited, no matter their skill level. It’s a game-changer for coaches looking to make practices fresh and competitive.

What We Like:

  • 52 unique and simple drills to spice up practices.
  • Each card has clear setup instructions and fun variations.
  • QR codes link to quick demo videos, making drills super easy to understand.
  • Adds an element of surprise and player choice to practice.
  • Players can even pick drills, making them feel more involved.
  • Comes in a tough plastic box to keep cards safe and organized.
  • Great for keeping energy high and players focused.

What Could Be Improved:

  • More advanced drills could be included for experienced teams.
  • A digital version might be convenient for some coaches.

This drill deck is a fantastic tool for any volleyball coach. It makes planning practices easier and more exciting for everyone involved. You’ll love the flexibility and the positive impact it has on your team’s engagement and skill development.

3. SOEZmm Volleyball Spike Trainer Pro SPT5005 – Premium Training Aid for Spiking

SOEZmm Volleyball Spike Trainer Pro SPT5005 – Premium Training Aid for Spiking, Serving & Blocking – Adjustable Lightweight Aluminum Pole & Secure Ball Holder – Question Mark Hook,No Ball Included

Rating: 9.1/10

The SOEZmm Volleyball Spike Trainer Pro SPT5005 is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to improve their volleyball skills. This trainer helps players practice spiking, serving, and blocking. It’s designed to be easy to use and effective for all levels of play.

What We Like:

  • It comes in 3 sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for comfortable and precise training.
  • The trainer is super light, weighing only 1.35 lbs, making it easy to carry and use for long practice sessions.
  • It’s also very durable, built to handle intense training.
  • The pole adjusts from 40 to 71.6 inches, so players of any height can use it.
  • It’s designed to be stable, with a pole that won’t twist.
  • Adjusting the height is quick and easy thanks to the special buckle.
  • The handle feels great and gives a strong grip, even when your hands get sweaty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The ball is not included with the trainer.

This trainer offers a great way to practice your volleyball moves. It’s a well-made and versatile training aid for any player.

4. Tandem Sport Base Rite – Volleyball Passing Training – Teaches Proper Footwork When Passing – Volleyball Training Equipment – Volleyball Drill Equipment

Tandem Sport Base Rite - Volleyball Passing Training - Teaches Proper Footwork When Passing - Volleyball Training Equipment - Volleyball Drill Equipment

Rating: 8.7/10

Mastering volleyball passing starts with solid footwork. The Tandem Sport Base Rite is a training tool designed to help players develop the correct stance and movement for effective passing. It’s simple to use and focuses on the fundamentals, making it a valuable addition to any volleyball practice.

What We Like:

  • It helps you learn the right way to move your feet when passing.
  • It makes practicing passing more effective.
  • It’s easy for players to understand and use.
  • It’s made to last through many training sessions.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The instructions could be a bit clearer for absolute beginners.
  • It might be a bit basic for very advanced players who already have strong footwork.

The Tandem Sport Base Rite is a straightforward tool that can significantly improve a volleyball player’s passing technique. It provides a focused way to build a strong foundation in footwork, which is crucial for success on the court.

Your Go-To Guide for Volleyball Tryout Drills

Getting ready for volleyball tryouts can feel like a big deal. You want to show off your best skills! To do that, you need the right tools. This guide will help you find the perfect drills and equipment to practice with. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes things good or not so good, and how you’ll use them.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re picking drills or equipment, think about what will help you the most.

  • Versatility: Can you use this drill for different skills? For example, a drill that works on passing and then quickly transitions to hitting is super useful.
  • Scalability: Can the drill be made easier or harder? This is important because you might be practicing alone or with friends. A drill that works for a beginner and an advanced player is a winner.
  • Clear Instructions: Do you understand exactly what to do? If the instructions are confusing, you’ll waste practice time. Good drills have simple steps.
  • Feedback Potential: Does the drill help you see what you’re doing right or wrong? Some drills might have cones to mark where the ball should go, or you can record yourself doing it.

Important Materials

The stuff you use for drills matters!

  • Cones: These are great for marking spots on the court. You can use them for target practice or to set up boundaries for drills. They are usually made of plastic, which makes them durable.
  • Dribble Sticks/Marker Poles: These are taller than cones and help you practice hitting around blockers or serving to specific zones. They’re often made of plastic or lightweight metal.
  • Training Balls: These might be lighter than regular volleyballs. This helps you practice a lot without getting tired or hurting your arms. They are made of the same material as regular balls but are often a bit softer.
  • Jump Trainers/Resistance Bands: These help you build leg strength for jumping higher. They are typically made of elastic material.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a drill or piece of equipment great or not so great?

  • Durability: Equipment that lasts a long time is better. Cheap plastic cones that break easily aren’t a good investment. Good quality materials mean your gear will survive many practice sessions.
  • Ease of Use: If it’s hard to set up or understand, it’s not good. Simple, straightforward drills and equipment are the best.
  • Safety: Always make sure the equipment is safe to use. No sharp edges or parts that could easily fall off.
  • Effectiveness: Does the drill actually help you improve your skills? If you do a drill and don’t get better, it’s not high quality.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you actually use these drills and tools?

  • Solo Practice: You can set up cones to practice passing to a specific spot. You can use marker poles to work on hitting angles. A training ball lets you hit a lot without wearing out your arms.
  • Partner Drills: You and a friend can set up a passing drill. One person passes, and the other passes back. You can also use cones to create a game where you have to pass over or around them.
  • Team Practice: Coaches often use drills with cones and marker poles to teach positioning and game strategies. These tools help everyone understand where they need to be on the court.
  • Skill Specific Training:
    • Passing: Use cones to create targets for your platform. Practice passing to a spot where your imaginary setter would be.
    • Setting: Use marker poles to practice setting to different areas of the net.
    • Hitting: Set up cones as blockers and practice hitting around them.
    • Serving: Use cones to mark where you want your serves to land.

Using drills and the right equipment can make your tryout preparation fun and effective. Focus on drills that help you improve your specific skills and make sure your practice tools are good quality.


Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball Tryout Drills

Q: What are the most important skills to practice for tryouts?

A: You should practice passing, setting, hitting, and serving. Good communication and quick reflexes are also important.

Q: How many drills should I do before tryouts?

A: Focus on quality over quantity. Do a few drills well that target your weaknesses. Consistency is key.

Q: Can I use regular volleyballs for all drills?

A: Yes, but training balls are lighter and can help you practice more without arm fatigue. They are especially good for repetitive passing or hitting drills.

Q: How do cones help in drills?

A: Cones help you set targets for passing, marking zones for serving, or creating obstacles for hitting drills. They give you something specific to aim for.

Q: What if I don’t have a lot of equipment?

A: You can still do many drills! Use water bottles as cones, or even just imagine where the cones or poles would be. Focus on your technique.

Q: Is it better to practice alone or with others?

A: Both are great! Practicing alone helps you focus on individual technique. Practicing with others helps you work on game-like situations and communication.

Q: How can I improve my jumping for hitting?

A: Drills that focus on leg strength and approach are helpful. Plyometric exercises and jump training bands can also improve your vertical jump.

Q: What is a good drill for improving serving accuracy?

A: Set up cones in different zones on the other side of the net. Practice serving to each zone. Try to hit specific spots consistently.

Q: How do I know if a drill is effective?

A: If you start seeing improvement in that skill over time, the drill is effective. You should feel more confident and consistent with that skill.

Q: Should I practice drills that are difficult for me?

A: Absolutely! It’s important to work on your weaknesses. Start with simpler versions of the drill and gradually make it more challenging.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.