- Improve Your Volleyball with Coach April
- How to Start Playing Volleyball
Dear Volleyball Mom,
Do You Know What Sets My Private Volleyball Training Apart From Anyone In Vegas?
I invite You to read what my private volleyball training mission says before considering hiring me as a private volleyball coach because I'm not available for everyone.How To Start Playing Volleyball: A Guide for Vegas Moms and Beginners
Vegas moms! Kickstart your child's volleyball journey! Learn essential steps, local resources and my tips on how to start playing volleyball here in Las Vegas.
Affiliate Disclosure
If you make a purchase through a link on my site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I believe to have good value. Click to read my (affiliate disclosure).
Hey there, Las Vegas volleyball moms!
Are you ready to help your child dive into the exciting world of volleyball?
As a seasoned volleyball coach right here in Vegas, I'm thrilled (read further to understand why i used that word!) to guide you through the process of getting your young athlete started in this fantastic sport.
Whether you're in Henderson, Summerlin, or even as far as St. George, Utah, or Phoenix, Arizona, this guide will set you and your child up for volleyball success!
Why Volleyball is a Great Choice for Your Child
As a seasoned volleyball coach right here in Vegas, I'm thrilled (read further to understand why i used that word!) to guide you through the process of getting your young athlete started in this fantastic sport. (photo Dan Morgan)Before we jump into the "how," let's talk about why volleyball is an excellent sport for kids, especially here in the Southwest:
1. Year-round play:
With the increase of large indoor facilities, like Its All Volleyball combined with our fantastic weather, indoor and outdoor volleyball is possible all year!
2. Team building:
Volleyball teaches crucial teamwork and communication skills.
3. Physical fitness:
Volleyball requires a full-body workout that improves upper and lower body coordination, speed and agility.
4. Accessible:
You can start with minimal equipment and find courts in many parks around the city.
Now, let's get into how to start playing volleyball!
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Basics
Before your child steps onto the court, it's helpful for both of you to understand the fundamental rules and objectives of volleyball:
- The game is played with two teams, typically of six players each.
- The goal is to send the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent's side.
- The goal is to send the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent's side. (photo Dan Morgan)- Each team is allowed three touches to return the ball over the net.
Pro Tip:
Watch some volleyball matches together!
The AVP Tour for beach volleyball and the Vegas Thrill for women's pro volleyball in Vegas provide a perfect opportunity to see high-level play in person.
From the city that never sleeps, known for its high energy and even higher stakes, Vegas Thrill embodies the spirit of Las Vegas as its new generation of professional athletes and world-class entertainment. The Vegas Thrill is one of ten professional volleyball teams in the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, priding itself on respect for athletes and providing fans with the world-class experience for which Vegas is known.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 2: Get the Right Equipment
To start playing volleyball, your child will need:
- A volleyball:
For beginners, a lighter volleyball is often easier to handle.
Look for youth volleyballs online at Amazon (ad)or at local sporting goods stores like Dick's Sporting Goods or Big 5.
- Comfortable athletic clothes:
Volleyball shorts (ad) and a t-shirt work great.
- Proper shoes:
Volleyball-specific shoes offer the right support, (ad) but to start, any non-marking athletic shoe will do.
These protect your child's knees when diving for the ball. (ad)
Local Tip:
Check out Amazon online for a great selection of volleyball gear. (ad)
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 3: Learn the Basic Skills
Volleyball involves six basic skills that a player will need to learn.
Here's a quick rundown:
Addi getting 100 overhand serve reps in on Super Bowl Sunday working on her standing float serve down the line.
Focusing on starting with hips open to the wall to her right, a consistent toss and a smooth arm swing when contacting the ball with the middle of her hand to the middle of the ball.
Listen to what I tell Addi about being aggressive with her armswing.
Working on her floater in volleyball serve today we did 100 reps of the same serve to the same spot so we could problem solve and work on every body part movement...where things go so when its time to do everything faster...we have smoothed out and understood all the possible wrinkles.
1. Serving:
When a player starts the rally by contacting the ball from behind the service line sending the ball over the net.
2. Passing:
When a player uses their forearms to control and contact the ball, often on the first of three contacts in a rally
3. Setting:
When a player uses their fingertips to push the ball up in the air towards a teammate so they can hit it over the net
When a player attacks the ball over the net.
5. Blocking:
When a player jumps at the net while extending the arms over it to stop or deflect an opponent's attack.
6. Digging:
When a player prevents the ball from hitting the ground when the opponent attacks the ball
Volleyball Digging Drills: The Hit And Dig Drill
With this balanced and proactive 'ready position' you're able to react quickly to either side of your forward or behind you in order to move in any direction as needed.
Charlie works on digging in the Hit and dig drills done in private training clinics and practice.
As a beginner, I highly recommend for beginners to focus on serving and passing to start.
These are the two basic skills that form the foundation for the majority of all volleyball plays.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 4: Practice at Home
You don't need a full court to start practicing! Try these at-home drills:
Have your child bump or set the ball against a wall repeatedly. Check my volleyball drill section for instructions on various wall drills and how to do them
These three player passing drills in volleyball are easy to do at home or in practices and help you to work on controlling the ball and passing accuracy.
How to do wall passing drills...
Volleyball wall passing and wall setting drills can be done daily at home with a goal of at least 250 - 500 reps of various drills to keep your
- passing or setting technique,
- angled platform work,
- ball contacting skills and
- control of the ball.....extremely sharp!
Pick a brick, a specific spot on the wall or mark a big X in chalk on a wall or use a basketball net or backboard ...no matter what you decide to use as your target... anybody walking by.... should be able to see exactly where the spot is that you are aiming for EVERY...single....time .
Do 3 to 5 sets of 100... five feet from the wall ....then side step two feet and repeat. Then step back and repeat.
Complete 300 to 500 passing repetitions
Here are some volleyball drills for youth that you can do at home or in practice with a friend or teammate you are working out with at home or on their own or even during an open gym at your school.
Watch as Kenny and Jaylen work on controlling the ball to a consistent spot on the wall and then control the ball to themselves, then finally they control the ball to each other...repeatedly.
- Serving practice:
Set up a target in the backyard and practice serving to it.
If you have two players, they can practice bumping and setting to each other.
Another pepper partner volleyball drill that I like to have players do is the "set set hit to your partner" variation seen here with Talina and Adlai.
Remember, consistency is key.
Even 15 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference!
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 5: Join a Beginner's Program
Las Vegas and the surrounding areas offer numerous opportunities for young volleyball players:
Las Vegas and the surrounding areas offer numerous opportunities for young volleyball players:
- YMCA of Southern Nevada: Offers youth volleyball programs for various age groups.
- City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation:
I ran my award-winning Boot Camp Classes and clinics for years for the City of Las Vegas until I moved to Henderson.
Depending on which part of the city you live in lots of clubs have quality tweens programs also known as Fall Ball that begin 6 to 8 week clinic programs starting in August after school starts. Check out clubs like Tstreet Vegas, Top Flight, Vegas Aces and Dig This Volleyball websites for more information.
For those in nearby areas:
-St. George:
Check out the Washington County Recreation Center for youth programs.
- Phoenix:
The Arizona Region of USA Volleyball has extensive youth offerings.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball
Step 6: Understand Volleyball Positions
As your child progresses, they'll learn about different positions:
- Setter:
The playmaker who sets up attacks.
- Outside Hitter:
Attacks from the left side of the court.
Plays at the net, focusing on blocking and quick attacks.
Opposite Hitter:
Plays opposite the setter, often a strong attacker.
A defensive specialist who wears a different colored jersey.
Don't worry about specializing early. It's great for beginners to try all positions!
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 7: Learn Volleyball Etiquette
Volleyball has a strong culture of sportsmanship. Teach your child to:
- Respect teammates, opponents, and officials.
- Celebrate points with enthusiasm but without taunting opponents.
- Take responsibility for their actions on the court.
- Communicate clearly and positively with teammates.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 8: Stay Hydrated and Healthy
In our hot desert climate, hydration is crucial. Ensure your child:
- Drinks plenty of water before, during, and after play.
- Wears sunscreen for outdoor play.
- Takes breaks in the shade during outdoor practices.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 9: Get Involved as a Volleyball Mom
Your support is crucial to your child's volleyball journey:
- Attend games and cheer positively.
- Help with at-home practice.
- Volunteer with local leagues or clubs.
- Network with other volleyball families for carpooling and support.
The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball:
Step 10: Keep It Fun!
Remember, the primary goal is for your child to enjoy the sport.
Encourage effort over outcome, celebrate small victories, and keep the atmosphere positive.
Your Child's Volleyball Adventure Begins!
Starting volleyball can be an exciting journey for both you and your child.
Here in Las Vegas and the Southwest, we're lucky to have great weather, fantastic facilities, and a vibrant volleyball community.
Whether your child dreams of playing in college or just wants to have fun and make friends, volleyball offers something for everyone.
Remember, every great player started as a beginner.
With patience, practice, and the right support, your child can develop a lifelong love for this amazing sport. So, are you ready to get started?
Grab a volleyball, head to the nearest court, and let the games begin!
If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out. As a local Vegas coach, I'm always here to help our community's budding volleyball stars shine!
How To Start Playing Volleyball
Where do you need to go now?
Here are three options:
- Learn more about the volleyball information on Improve Your Volley.com in the Related Links below.
- Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
- Or visit the pages in the Information section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.
Read more about how to start playing volleyball on ImproveYourVolley on these pages.
How To Serve In Volleyball Two Tips On How To Develop A Tough Serve
Learn how to serve in volleyball with step-by-step instructions. Could adding 3 aces per game make you a starter? My complete guide is for all skill levels
How To Set A Volleyball A Basic Setter Guide To Good Setting Technique
Want to be a good volleyball setter? I show you how to set a volleyball the way I teach my club players, focusing on hand and body placement and ball contact.
What Is A Volleyball Set? Find Tips, Tactics and Techniques On Setting
What is a volleyball set? Discover the basics, tips, terms, tactics, and tutorials on ImproveYourVolley.com on what you need to know on the volleyball set.
How To Communicate in Volleyball Five Things To Say in Defense
When you learn how to communicate in volleyball there are things you can say to your teammates in defense which will help the team identify who the hitters are.
Watch Beach Volleyball Videos To Learn How To Play Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball videos have grown popular as pro beach players record Youtube videos that they use to instruct their subscribers how to play beach volleyball.
A Successful Volleyball Spike How To Hit and Attack The Ball To Score
Learn how to hit a successful volleyball spike using the correct three or four step spike approach consistent hand contact, high reach and spike follow through.
How To Serve A Volleyball A Step By Step Tutorial For Beginners
With this step by step tutorial I teach beginner players how to serve a volleyball because having a tough overhand serve may increase your playing time.
How to Bump a Volleyball: 10 Steps For A Perfect Serve Receive Pass
Learn how to bump a volleyball so that you get the ball to your setter consistently by reading the action and moving quickly to where you think the ball will be
How To Pass A Volleyball Consistently To The Setter At The Net
Learn two passing tips on how to pass a volleyball consistently when you're in serve receive to your setter who needs your help running the offense
How To Pass In Volleyball Better With This Ball Control Passing Guide
Ball control is the biggest part of learning how to pass in volleyball consistently to your setter when your team is in serve receive formation.
Volleyball Workshop How to Empower Your Volleyball Player with Dianne
Join Dianne's Facebook group for the replay of our Zoom volleyball workshop located in her College Volleyball Recruiting for Parents FB group. Check it out now.
What Is Volleyball All About? 8 Rules On How To Play Volleyball Right
So if you've asked yourself "why should I play volleyball?" the very next question you should ask yourself and have answered is "what is volleyball all about?"
The Volleyball Rotation Sheet Understand How to Rotate In Volleyball
The volleyball rotation sheet keeps track of each player who rotates. A rotation occurs when the non-serving team wins a rally, a point and the right to rotate.
Learn How to Play Volleyball: Mom's Guide To Tween Volleyball Success
Volleyball moms, here's the inside scoop on helping your tween excel when watching them learn how to play volleyball in order to support your player's journey.
SUSCRIBE
To My Email Newsletter Below!
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Honored At UTK Champions Weekend
Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.
- the first First Round Draft Pick for the first American pro indoor women's league
- named to the first First Team All-Pro team for Major League Volleyball in USA volleyball history
- former USA National team member
- one of the few American women players named as an Italian Pro League D-I Championship Finalist, Italian Cup Finalist and Cup of Cups Tournament Finalist
April Chapple The first First round Draft Pick For Major League Volleyball the first American Women's Pro League Honored At Athlete Unlimited Pro Volleyball Match
Coach April's 2025 Private and Semi private Volleyball Training
Pre-Registration now open for 2025 Private and Semiprivate Training Sessions with Coach April . Get prepared for club tryouts or train with me during club season!
Email now for information on semiprivate or private indoor skills, individual or small group training volleyball classes and my Breakfast Club for College Players training for 2025.
Invest in your improvement while preepping for your next level and college goals while working hard and training smart.
Email me right now to register or for more information.
info@improveyourvolley.com
Serving slang is not just about individual techniques; it also relates to overall game strategy. A coach might instruct a player to serve a "short serve" or a "deep serve" to target specific areas of the opponent's court or exploit weaknesses in their serve receive formation.
Ari, my private training client and I are working specifically on serving on jump float cross court serves ...short to Zone 2
There's so much we work on to get to this point where she can contact the ball with
- the same toss height and same toss location
- the same armswing speed
- the same timing for when her serving hand contacts the ball
- the middle of the hand contacting the middle of the ball every single time
- getting use to watching her serving hand contact the ball at the highest point of her jump ...before she starts to land
- and finally contacting the ball in the precise spot on the ball so it goes where the coach wants the player to put it so in this case ..a short serve in the farthest short right corner on the court also called Zone 2.
I have my own special QR code to my Linktree profile!
Scan to find out what you shouldn't be missing!
Affiliate Disclosure
If you make a purchase through a link on my site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I only recommend products that I believe to have good value. Click to read my
|
|
Donations Welcome!
If my free social media online training and/or instruction on this site has helped improve your game or meet your goals CLICK the Cash App link below to make a donation!
Thank you!
Read my open letter to Las Vegas Jr high/high school volleyball parents about my predictions on individual and small group volleyball training trends for 2019/2021
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?
Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
A-1 Vegas Volley VBC
In It To Win It Tournament
May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament
Gold Medalists
18s Premier Division
Making A-1 Vegas Volleyball history as the very first TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In the In It To Win It Tournament,
May 2-4, 2025 Tournament,
A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club
Gold Medalists, 18s Premier DivisionWhat Are You Looking For?
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.
Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!
Stay strong! Stay motivated!
-Coach April
SUSCRIBE
to my email newsletter below!
Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts
Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?
Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.
You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me, Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.
Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!
Recent Articles
-
Nike Summer Boys Volleyball Camps Las Vegas: Elite Development
Jul 13, 25 07:24 PM
My complete guide to boys volleyball camps featuring the elite Nike Vegas program. Championship coaching, proven methods, mental growth and college preparation. -
Volleyball Serving Rules What Are The Rules When Serving A Volleyball?
Jul 12, 25 06:36 PM
Learn important volleyball serving rules and answers to basic serving volleyball questions about what's legal when serving a ball from behind the service line. -
Your Serve in Volleyball: 10 Tips To Get You From Bench to Starter
Jul 11, 25 04:38 PM
I hold Tennessee's #2 career aces record (244 aces). Last month I coached 7 players to state finals. These 10 serving tips separate legends from bench players.
