NOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more informationNOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more information


Volleyball Partner Passing Drills You Can Do To Improve Ball Control

These volleyball partner passing drills we do in Boot Camp classes are drills you can do at home in order to improve your consistency and ball control skills.

That's me coaching my Vegas Volley 18s girls team the importance of passing outside of your body line and passing the ball to the same spot every time ... 🏐 which is important because it helps your setter read your body language easier and know what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it...making it easier for her to get to the ball you pass. We do alot of partner passing drills to get used to controlling the ball while passing it outside of your body line.That's me coaching my Vegas Volley 18s girls team the importance of passing outside of your body line and passing the ball to the same spot every time ... 🏐 which is important because it helps your setter read your body language easier and know what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it...making it easier for her to get to the ball you pass. We do alot of partner passing drills to get used to controlling the ball while passing it outside of your body line.

               Controlled Partner Passing               Volleyball Passing Drill 



Start by passing the ball back and forth. One person is on the ten foot line and the other three feet inside the end line or back court line. .The person closest to the net, on the ten foot line, is the control “target” partner. .

This is the “target” person who never moves and where the partner who is working needs to get the ball to. .


  • Struggling with inconsistent passing?
  • Frustrated when your passes don't reach the target?

As a volleyball coach specializing in partner passing drills, I've helped countless players overcome these exact challenges through focused ball control development.

Partner passing drills are my specialty - they're the foundation of the training I provide to my private clients and Vegas Volley 18s guys and girls club teams.

Through years of working with pairs of players, I've created and refined my own drills to help players who want to improve their passing accuracy but don't know where to start.

Since becoming head coach of Vegas Volley 18s teams in November 2024, I've seen how these partner drills transform players who were once uncertain about their passing into confident ball control specialists.

Whether you're fighting for a starting position or trying to earn more playing time, these drills will help you develop the consistent passing skills coaches look for.

Let me share the same partner passing progressions captured by 'Shots by Shanty' Shantalle Demerjian during our December practices - proven drills that have helped my high school and club players earn spots on college rosters.

Let me share the same partner passing progressions captured by 'Shots by Shanty' Shantalle Demerjian during our December practices - proven pepper partner volleyball drills that have helped my high school and club players earn spots on college rosters.Let me share the same partner passing progressions captured by 'Shots by Shanty' Shantalle Demerjian during our December practices - proven pepper partner volleyball drills that have helped my high school and club players earn spots on college rosters.

These aren't just repetitive exercises; they're focused skill-builders that address the specific passing challenges you're facing right now.



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Struggling to get your passes to target?

Let's start with the fundamental partner passing setup I use in every training session - it's the same progression that helped my Vegas Volley players overcome their accuracy issues...


Volleyball Partner Passing Drills Players Do To Improve Ball Control SkillsVolleyball Partner Passing Drills Players Do To Improve Ball Control Skills

Volleyball Partner Passing Drills 


These volleyball partner passing drills our players do in our semi private training classes and as homework to do at home. 

It takes partner passing and ball control practice to the next level. 


Volleyball drills, although some time monotonous are -the best way to improve your ball control, -they help you improve your skill and technique, -they can be used to help condition an athlete and -they can help you understand the team building process Whether you do drills at home by yourself, or doing them in practice with your teammates, it's best to get in the habit of setting mini goals for yourself to reach in order to complete each drill. (Tennesseeservereceivebytennesseejournalist)Volleyball drills, although some time monotonous are -the best way to improve your ball control, -they help you improve your skill and technique, -they can be used to help condition an athlete and -they can help you understand the team building process Whether you do drills at home by yourself, or doing them in practice with your teammates, it's best to get in the habit of setting mini goals for yourself to reach in order to complete each drill. (Tennesseeservereceivebytennesseejournalist)


My #Freeballpassingchallenge...

Beck and Kate kill it when I challenge them to a passing patience drill.

(Volume up) Touch the Floor-floor-shoulder-shoulder-quarter turn and back... then pass a free ball to your partner...using precise passing technique...

...so no swinging the arms above the belly button. no standing up and no shoulders behind your hips...

How many things can you do before passing a free ball to your passing partner .. ..while keeping good passing technique ... AND getting the ball to your targets head.. without making them move?

Lmk .. dm me...
Good luck!

let's say you have to get 50 perfectly passed balls to the target before stopping one drill and going on to the next. Not only will you discipline yourself to perform the volleyball drills correctly, but you will replicate the pressure you will feel in a game-like situation when you absolutely have to do the skill right.let's say you have to get 50 perfectly passed balls to the target before stopping one drill and going on to the next. Not only will you discipline yourself to perform the volleyball drills correctly, but you will replicate the pressure you will feel in a game-like situation when you absolutely have to do the skill right.

(Volume up)

Floor-floor-shoulder-shoulder-quarter turn and back - then pass... watch how much time you have before you pass a free ball..,

Had some fun today with Katelyn ... adding some variety to our partner passing drills with Becky

Just working on being patient.. and not rising up to pass but seeing how much time you have ...before passing the ball.. if you quicken your upper and lower body movements.


Volleyball Drills Passing Partner Exercises To Do At Home To Improve Ball Control:


Volleyball drills, although some time monotonous are

Whether you do drills at home by yourself, or doing them in practice with your teammates, it's best to get in the habit of setting mini goals for yourself to reach in order to complete each drill.

For example, let's say you have to get 50 perfectly passed balls to the target before stopping one drill and going on to the next. Not only will you discipline yourself to perform the volleyball drills correctly, but you will replicate the pressure you will feel in a game-like situation when you absolutely have to do the skill right.

When you get in the habit of practicing game-like situations, then when you find yourself in an actual game, you have already prepared for that particularly tense and pressure-filled situation.





Volleyball Drills Passing Partner Exercises To Do At Home To Improve Ball Control


Here are drills for players to start improving ball control.

Start by passing the ball back and forth. One person is on the ten foot line and the other three feet inside the end line or back court line. . . The person closest to the net, on the ten foot line, is the control “target” partner.

. . This is the “target” person who never moves and where the partner who is working needs to get the ball to. . . If you’re the “working” partner then your job is to get the ball to the head of the “target” without making the target move.

If the “target” partner has to move more than one step to get to the ball that you are passing, setting, or digging to them then you need to improve your ball control . . This is a volleyball player’s target practice.

Being able to get the ball right to the target you are aiming for
without the target moving
 is what you are practicing to do. Get the ball to the target
without the target having to move. . .

Now that you're developing more consistent straight-ahead passing, let's tackle another common challenge - moving to off-target serves.

This lateral movement drill has helped countless players stop getting caught flat-footed during serve receive...


Volleyball Partner Passing Drills -
Shuffle Right and Shuffle Left 

Volleyball Partner Passing Drills Volleyball Players Do To Improve Ball Control Skills (Jaroslaw)Volleyball Partner Passing Drills Volleyball Players Do To Improve Ball Control Skills (Jaroslaw)

To practice moving laterally with quick foot work to your right and to your left the “control” partner passes the ball to the right of the “working partner’ who has to take a shuffle step to the right to pass the ball . .

Tired of getting aced on short serves or struggling with deep balls?

This next progression specifically addresses those challenging serves that force you to move forward and backward.

My Vegas Volley players used these exact drills to improve their court coverage...


Volleyball Partner Passing Drills -
Short and Deep





The control partner passes a high ball 6-8 feet in the air. The “working partner” takes 2-3 steps forward to get feet and hips to the ball and passes the ball to the control partner after which they back pedal 2 -3 big steps backwards to pass a deep ball from the “control partner”.

The goal is to pass short and deep balls to the head of the target partner without making them move at all. . .

If you're having trouble maintaining control while moving, this advanced variation will help.

It's the same drill that transformed my players from hesitant passers into confident ball control specialists who can handle any serve...


A good passer in volleyball watches as a ball coming over the net towards them decides early which side they will open up to ...getting their belly button out of the way, like you do when you play dodgeball, while creating their passing platform so they make contact with the ball when its outside of the body's midline. (Shots by Shanty)A good passer in volleyball watches as a ball coming over the net towards them decides early which side they will open up to ...getting their belly button out of the way, like you do when you play dodgeball...(Shots by Shanty)

Volleyball Partner Passing Drills -
Forward Pass, Backward Pass


The control partner passes a high ball to themself  then to the working partner who passes a high ball to themselves then does a half turn to back bump the ball to the target partner
without making them move. .





Partner Passing Drills That Get Results: Your Next Steps


These partner passing drills have helped my Vegas Volley players and private clients overcome their passing challenges and develop into confident ball control specialists. If you're ready to continue improving, these drills are just the beginning of your development.

Want to expand your passing skills further? Check out my recently updated articles on '4 Passing Drills For Volleyball' and 'How to Pass a Volleyball' for more solutions to common passing problems.


Ready to transform your passing technique?

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's helped my players earn college roster spots - information that can help improve your game too.


Frequently Asked Questions about the Volleyball Forearm Pass

The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate. It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate. It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.

Q: What is a forearm pass in volleyball?

A: The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate.

It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.




I like to work on this 3 person "Dodgeball" drill where the person in the middle has to choose which side to get their midsection out of the way of the oncoming ball that's being tossed at their chest before they present their passing platform with an angled shoulder positioned towards the target. 


Q: How do I improve my forearm pass in volleyball?

A: Here are some tips to improve your forearm pass:

1. Keep your elbows straight to create a flat platform.

2. Track the ball from the server's hands to anticipate its path.

3. Keep your arms together when contacting the ball.

4. Keep both feet on the ground for better stability.

5. Quickly position yourself behind the ball with proper footwork.


passinginvolleyball tutorial

Q: How important is forearm pass in volleyball?

A: The forearm pass is an essential skill in volleyball as it is often the first contact when receiving the opponent's serve.

A good forearm pass sets up the team's offensive play, allowing for better control and accuracy in setting up attacks. It is crucial for maintaining ball control and initiating successful plays.


Q: What equipment can help improve forearm passing?

A: Volleyball forearm passing sleeves are popular accessories used by players to protect their wrists, forearms, and elbows during passing and digging.

Brands like Mizuno and Nike offer volleyball passing sleeves (ad) that can enhance comfort and support while practicing or playing.


Q: Can I practice forearm passing on my own?

A: Yes, you can practice forearm passing on your own. You can perform passing drills against a wall, focusing on technique and accuracy.

Another option is to recruit a partner to practice passing back and forth, simulating game-like situations. Consistent practice and repetition will help improve your forearm passing skills.


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. 


Q: Are there any specific drills I can do to improve my forearm passing?

A: Yes, here are a few drills you can try:

1. Wall Passing Drill:

Stand facing a wall and practice passing the ball against it. This helps improve technique and control.

2. Triangle Drill:

Set up three cones in a triangle shape and practice moving quickly between them while passing a ball. This improves footwork and positioning.

3. Pass and Move:

Set up a designated area and practice passing the ball with a partner while moving around. This simulates game-like movement and improves passing accuracy under different conditions.

My tips on 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



Q: What should I do if I struggle with forearm passing accuracy?

A: To improve your forearm passing accuracy, focus on the following:

1. Proper hand contact:

Make sure to contact the ball with the forearms, slightly above the wrists, creating a solid platform.


2. Eye on the ball:

Keep your eyes on the ball as you pass it, maintaining visual contact throughout the entire process.


3. Controlled body position:

Maintain a balanced and athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight forward.


Q: How can I generate more power in my forearm pass?

A: To generate more power in your forearm pass, consider the following techniques:


1. Use your legs:

Engage the muscles in your legs and core to generate power from the ground up. Bend your knees and use a slight upward thrust to add strength to your pass.

2. Follow-through:

After making contact with the ball, continue your arm extension forward and slightly upward. This follow-through motion adds power and accuracy to your pass.

3. Timing and anticipation:

Anticipate the ball's trajectory and aim to meet it at the highest point of its arc for maximum power.


Q: What should I do if the ball is coming at me too fast for a forearm pass?

A: If the ball is coming at you too fast for a forearm pass, you can use an alternative technique called the overhead pass or "volley." In this method, you use your fingertips to guide the ball, creating a controlled trajectory. However, mastering forearm passing should still be a priority, as it is the most effective and commonly used pass in volleyball.


If the ball is coming at you too fast for a forearm pass, you can use an alternative technique called the overhead pass or "volley." In this method, you use your fingertips to guide the ball, creating a controlled trajectory.If the ball is coming at you too fast for a forearm pass, you can use an alternative technique called the overhead pass or "volley." In this method, you use your fingertips to guide the ball, creating a controlled trajectory.

Q: How can I develop good forearm pass footwork?

A: To develop good footwork for forearm passing, try the following:

1. Quick first step:

React quickly as soon as you see the server make contact with the ball. Take a small, explosive step towards the anticipated ball trajectory.

2. Shuffle and adjust:

Maintain proper balance and shuffle your feet to adjust your position as needed. This allows you to align yourself behind the ball and maintain stability.

3. Practice positioning drills:

Set up cones or markers on the court to simulate different serve placements. Practice moving quickly and efficiently to each marker, assuming the correct forearm pass position behind it.


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Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 



Volleyball Partner
Passing Drills
Where Do You Go From Here?


Your three options are: 

  1. You can learn more about Drills by visiting the Related Links below.  
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page  Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 



Learn more about volleyball drills on these pages!

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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.
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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.
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