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.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.

Volleyball Hitting Drills We Do To Beat the Block, Hit Deep Corners, Mix Up Shots 

Learn specifics about the volleyball hitting drills we do in Boot Camp Classes help you beat the block, hit deep corners, mix up shots and spike for points.

Just hit it harder!' If you've heard this from coaches but still can't score points consistently, you're not alone. As a former professional hitter in Italy's top division, I earned the nickname 'vacuum cleaner' for my ability to turn any set - perfect or terrible - into points. That was thanks to the volleyball hitting drills I learned from some of the best coaches in the world. (Shots by Shanty)Just hit it harder!' If you've heard this from coaches but still can't score points consistently, you're not alone. As a former professional hitter in Italy's top division, I earned the nickname 'vacuum cleaner' for my ability to turn any set - perfect or terrible - into points. That was thanks to the volleyball hitting drills I learned from some of the best coaches in the world. (Shots by Shanty)

Just hit it harder!'

If you've heard this from coaches but still can't score points consistently, you're not alone.

As a former professional hitter in Italy's top division, I earned the nickname 'vacuum cleaner' for my ability to turn any set - perfect or terrible - into points.

Let me share the hitting drills that helped me develop this skill, the same ones I now use with my Vegas Volley teams.

Currently coaching at the 2025 USA Girls 18s Junior National Championships, I'm watching my players use these same hitting principles to defeat higher-ranked teams.

What makes these drills special?

They come from my unique experience learning from volleyball legends like seven-time NCAA champion coach Russ Rose, whom I trained with during summers while playing at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. These aren't just random drills - they're proven techniques that develop confident, strategic hitters.

The volleyball hitting drills we do in Boot Camp class are designed to help you improve the various ways you need to be able to attack or spike a volleyball. 

Hitting the ball hard over the net is the first thing players think of about, when thinking about playing volleyball.

Its the most popular skill of the game which makes it so spectacular and fun to play and watch. 




And let's face it, if you know how to spike a ball, it's just a great accomplishment and a really cool thing to be able to do well in order to score points for your team!

Right?

Let's start with what every front row hitter needs to know.

Whether you're hitting from the left, right, or middle, these fundamentals will help you get past both blockers and defenders - skills I learned competing against Olympic-level blockers from all over the world while competing in Italy.


Volleyball Hitting Drills
Front Row Hitters


Front court hitters whether they are on the left, right or in the middle must be able to hit a ball hard enough so they can get it 

  • a) first past the opposing team's block and then
  • b) past the opposing team's back row defensive players so the ball hits the floor. 

One of the first important reasons to do volleyball hitting drills is to develop enough power and a quick armswing to hit the ball past the block and past the diggers on the opposing team.  



In order for your team to score a point with your spike attack, it requires you to become better in practice with your lower body footwork, combined with your upper body arm swing technique along with your spike approach timing to the ball which will vary depending on the set you plan on hitting. 


I have all the players we work with go through our Boot Camp class version of the drill shown in the video below. Among...

Posted by Volleyball Voices Boot Camp Class, Clinics and Competition on Sunday, June 10, 2018



Think of outside hitters like basketball's scoring forwards or football's running backs - they're the point-scorers, the terminators.

During my professional career in Italy's A1 division, I learned that successful outside hitters need more than just power. Let me show you why...


Volleyball Hitting Drills For
Outside Hitters


4 Digging Drills For Volleyball Players Like A Fun Game of Hitter vs. Digger - Winner scores 10 points First


A fun game of Hitter vs. Digger: Winner scores 10 points

First the Hitter hits hard deep cross court and scores a point when digger can’t touch it or digs an unplayable ball.

Digger scores a point when they dig a playable ball.

For beginners, hitter errors may not count but for more advanced players hits in the net or out of bounds are points scored for the digger.


Outside hitters can be compared to running backs on a football team or forwards on a basketball team. 

Their job is to score points especially so for the left side hitters. 

Hitters are required  to "put the ball" on the floor for their team and they have to learn how to do so in perfect and imperfect situations.




Another important reason to do certain volleyball hitting drills is to understand how and when to use smart tactics to hit the ball hard and when to hit the ball smart to a specific spot on the court. Watch as Amber hits the ball so its "wiped" off of Adlai's outside blocking hand for a point. (Shots by Shanty)Another important reason to do certain volleyball hitting drills is to understand how and when to use smart tactics to hit the ball hard and when to hit the ball smart to a specific spot on the court. Watch as Amber hits the ball so its "wiped" off of Adlai's outside blocking hand for a point. (Shots by Shanty)

If the outsides get a perfect set, which is also called an "in-system" set, then the expectation is for them to generate enough power with the momentum they generate from their spike approach and quick arm swing to put the ball on the opposing team's  floor. 

And if they get an imperfect set, or an "out-of-system" ball the expectation is the same...to do something smart with the ball so it gets to the opponent's court floor for a point. 

Another important reason to do certain volleyball hitting drills is to understand how and when to use smart tactics to hit the ball hard and when to hit the ball smart to a specific spot on the court. 




Smart hitting means to practice knowing when, where and how to hit to certain areas of the court, especially when you get an out of system set.  

A hitter always has options, you just need to know what they are and you need to do plenty of volleyball hitting drills so you know

  • when to hit hard
  • when not to hit hard
  • where to hit when hitting hard and where to hit when not hitting hard

The outside hitters are called upon to terminate the ball for a point.

Yep, some of the nicknames for the outsides include

  • cannons
  • bombers 
  • terminators

because their single most important job after they get the ball from their setter is to put the ball on the opposing team's court floor.

Here's one of the volleyball hitting drills we frequently do for outside hitters to learn how to hit hard past the block and past the diggers to score points.

On one half court is me, the coach, who tosses to a setter who sets to the left side hitter.

On the other side of the net is one blocker in Zone 2 who attempts to block the spiker and three diggers behind her in the backrow who try to dig the balls that get past the block. 

Just like in matches, I often like to create pressure situations in practice.

Here's how I structure this drill to help players develop both physical skills and mental toughness...



Me, the coach, will toss 15 balls to the setter who sets to the left side hitter.

Out of 15 sets we set a goal for the hitter.

The goals might be:

  • the first side to score 10 points wins
  • which side scores the most in a set amount of time

Things to work on


Seven-time NCAA Division I Womens Volleyball champion Penn State head coach Russ Rose came to visit our training center when he was recruiting Kami Miner.Seven-time NCAA Division I Womens Volleyball champion Penn State head coach Russ Rose came to visit our training center when he was recruiting Kami Miner.

Seven-time NCAA Division One champion coach Penn State's Russ Rose does a version of this drill in his practices. 

Check out how he explains his version in the video below. 


I learned a ton from doing volleyball hitting drills when I was in college with Penn State coach Russ Rose. (I went to University of Tennessee Knoxville but during summers and offseason I'd train with Russ.)

Much of the way I coach now is inspired by alot of what I learned from him as a player. 

It worked when I was a collegiate player and many of the techniques and tips worked when I was professional player. 

Listen in as Russ shares some of  his coaching philosophy along with his volleyball hitting drills. 



As a professional left side hitter, I trained to hit both the perfect "in-system" sets and the imperfect "out-of-system" sets.  

My role as a left side hitter was that of a "vacuum cleaner"...I was responsible for picking up and putting away all types of balls and all types of sets.. that meant everything, the good stuff and the trash. 

Even if I got a ball set to the outside that was too low, or too fast, or too far off the net, it was still my responsibility to do something with it so that I could score a point for my team. 

I expect the hitters I train on high school and club teams to adopt the same mindset.

This spiking drill helps hitters practice spiking in perfect and imperfect situations.  

Here's the Portland State coach Michael Seeman demonstrating how he runs his version of the same 'One Hitter vs Six Players on Defense" hitting drill at the Art of Coaching Clinic in Portland this year. 

Different coaches tweak this same drill the way they need it so they can work on improving different aspects of hitting the ball against a six-person defense. 





Volleyball Hitting Drills: Your Path to Becoming a Complete Attacker


Watch 7th grader, Izzy my client since 6th grade, who is digging two hitters at a time. She has to quickly read the first hitter's arm and then track the path of the "attacked ball" from them so she knows where her feet and then her platform need to be before she digs their ball...BEFORE looking for the next hitter's arm to do the same thing again...and still dig the ball to the intended target.


These hitting drills have helped countless players develop from hesitant swingers into confident attackers.

I know they work because they combine the best techniques I learned - from my early training with Coach Russ Rose to my professional career in Italy's top division, where every point mattered.

Remember what I said about being a 'vacuum cleaner' hitter?

That's what I want for you - the ability to score points with any set, in any situation.

Whether you're dealing with perfect passes or scrambling to save a broken play, these drills will help you develop the skills and confidence to put the ball away.

Want to develop more attacking skills?

Check out my articles on 'Types of Volleyball Hits' and 'Volleyball Hitting Technique' for more strategies to improve your game.

You'll find the same techniques I used competing against Olympic-level players, broken down step by step.

Ready to transform your hitting skills?

Be sure to join my email list for weekly training tips and be the first to know when I post new drills and techniques.

I share the same advice that helped me progress from college player to professional attacker - information that can help you reach your volleyball goals too.



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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! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

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 DivisionMaking 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 Division




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Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


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Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

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!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

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Adopt a fearless attitude about hitting. Great hitters have confidence in their ability to hit against any block.
Become a tenacious tiger about hitting against a two-person block. Remember you have options making you effective against a two-person block.
Exploit the holes in the block. Look for holes between the middle blocker and the outside blocker in front of you. Aim your spike fearlessly right for that “seam.”
Exploit the holes in the block. Look for holes between the middle blocker and the outside blocker in front of you. Aim your spike fearlessly right for that “seam.”
Ask your back row players, between plays, to tell you whether the middle blocker is late closing the block. They are perfectly positioned to help you see what is going on in the front row.
Wipe the ball off the block. “Use” the block instead of always trying to hit past it. You can learn to wipe the ball off the hands of the outside block no matter how tall you are.
Spike the ball aiming for the outside arm of the outside blocker in front of you.
Hit the ball hard so it comes back off her arm and outside the sideline. Hitting like this keeps the defense from covering the ball, makes points, creates sideouts, keeps you in the game...