Standing on the court, ready for the opposing team's server to serve, can feel a bit like being at bat in a baseball or softball game and you're staring down a pitcher who's famous for having a fastball pitch, that they are now about to unleash on you.
Believe me, I've been there.
That feeling of pressure of having to initiate the team's offense with a great pass puts additional weight on your shoulders – I know it intimately.
Some times it feels like the whole game hinges on this one moment, (especially at game point).
What's the big deal, right?
Your mind's grappling with whether to focus on the server or the ball itself.
Control feels just a bit out of reach, and there's that nagging thought of not wanting to let down your team or coach.
Wondering what to focus on can feel like way too much to juggle.
But don’t worry!
With the right pointers, you'll boost your confidence and get your volleyball ready position down like the best of them.
Today, we’ll work on perfecting your stance so you can step confidently into every match.
Even if you're just starting out, these tips will have you ready for whatever comes your way.
This guide's aim is to make you feel solid and skilled, no matter what. Stick with me, Coach April, and let's make your volleyball game something to brag about. 🌟
So, what's all this fuss about the volleyball ready position?
It's your stepping stone for any successful pass.
With your knees slightly bent and shoulders hovered over them, it might feel like you're in a crouch, but it's all about prepping for an effective volleyball forearm pass.
Remember to have your hands ready, palms turned up. And don't forget to clasp those thumbs together—they should be pointed to the ground.
This forms the perfect passing platform on your forearms.
Imagine trying to guide the ball with the underside of your arms to a target. That’s what we’re aiming for when you pass to another player or even back over the net.
Picture this: a serve coming straight at you with wicked speed.
But with the right stance, you're set to handle it. Put your weight on the balls of your feet and be ready to move in any direction. Those seam shots?
They're no match for you when your position's locked and loaded.
If a serve beats you, it tells you where to make adjustments. Take a step, lower your hips, or change where you're facing.
Small tweaks can make a massive difference. Remember how you felt when you first pulled off a tricky pass—it’s all about that sweet feeling of a job well done.
Keeping calm and talking with your teammates is huge in volleyball passing.
Sometimes, it can be daunting thinking you're shouting out the wrong call. But give them a heads-up on those serve directions confidently. Hesitation isn't needed here.
After all, the more info you share, the better your team can react. Nervous about making mistakes?
That's okay—it’s part of growing. A missed pass isn’t the end. Learn and adjust. Fear of failure shouldn’t stop you from calling out your instincts.
To really shine in your volleyball ready position, practice these tips. The more you apply them, the more natural it will feel.
And if you're feeling ready to sharpen those skills further, check out ImproveYourVolley.com for resources tailored just for you.
Keep at it, champs!
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of your hands and arms in the volleyball ready position.
Step 1: The Thumbs
First, clasp your thumbs together, side by side, and point them to the ground. This creates that smooth platform on your forearms, which is crucial when you’re deflecting the ball.
Have you ever watched a pro game and seen how naturally players pass the ball around?
Much of it comes down to how well they’ve mastered this simple hand movement.
Finding the right spot for your arms is key.
Here's the trick—keep them in front of you or to the sides, elbows bent slightly, and hands open towards the sky. Your forearms act as your shield here.
Do you have any particular way you prefer to hold your arms?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about what feels right for you, letting you switch from ready position to passing as quickly as possible.
Remember when you tried a new way to hold your arms and felt like a ninja on the court?
That’s what the right arm position does for you. It gives you a smooth transition when the ball is speeding towards you.
Every serve can feel like a new puzzle as it heads your way.
Some might drop short, others might float deep or fly directly at you.
The trick is learning to read these serves and adjust faster than you can say “spike!”
For those serves that barely make it over the net, you need to step forward quickly. Your knees are your best friends here—they help propel you into the right spot without losing balance.
For seam shots that slip between you and your teammate or those deep floaters, keeping your gaze on the server’s arm swing will tell you a lot.
Once you identify it, a quick shuffle step often does the trick.
And yes, when a serve aims straight at your chest, resist the urge to panic! Instead, move to keep the ball in front of you, letting your platform take it.
Think of it as a quick maneuver to make sure you’re in the best spot possible.
Your confidence wobbles sometimes, and believe me, that’s normal.
But the more you practice this volleyball ready position, the more second nature it becomes.
Feel anxious about making a mistake?
Remember, each attempt is building your skills. Getting beat by a serve or missing a pass isn’t the end—it’s a learning step.
Take note of what went wrong and make those small changes. Before you know it, passing becomes less of a worry and more of a strength.
You wouldn’t enter a game of tag without shouting out who you're after. Passing in volleyball is the same. Communicate with your team. Respond to serve cues and shout them out confidently.
If you’ve got an instinct about where the ball’s headed, trust it, and let your teammates know. Each call you make, even if it isn’t perfect, adds to your team’s strength.
And if communication feels intimidating, start by working on calling simple plays during practice.
With time, you’ll feel more at ease trusting your instincts during games.
Keep trying these strategies, and soon, your game confidence will soar.
For more volleyball passing tips and guidance, check out what's new at ImproveYourVolley.com.
With each pass and serve, remember that you're becoming a stronger, more skilled player. Keep it up! 🌟
No one’s perfect, especially when you're learning.
Let's tackle some of the common hurdles players face when perfecting their volleyball ready position.
Hey, it happens!
Sometimes the ball appears closer or further than it actually is. If you find yourself lunging or reaching awkwardly, take a moment post-play to assess what went wrong.
Were you too far back or too close to the net?
Adjust starting points in your ready position based on the server's tendencies.
Feeling pressure is natural. But freezing up when a serve is flying your way can be frustrating. Practicing mindfulness can help here—take a breath, stay present, and remind yourself of your practice sessions. You're well-prepared. Both your mind and body know what to do.
Let's add a few fun drills to your routine:
No ball needed here.
Get into your volleyball ready position and visualize a serve coming your way. Move your arms and body as if you’re passing the ball. This muscle memory helps a ton during actual play.
Team up with a buddy who serves at different speeds and heights.
Your goal?
Stay in your ready position and practice making minor adjustments quickly to get into the path of the ball.
As you get more comfortable with the volleyball ready position, another exciting part of the game opens up: reading the play.
This means noticing the server’s body language or watching the ball’s flight to anticipate the next move. It’s like being a detective on the court.
Take the opportunity to observe other players during games or practice sessions. Spot what they do well and think about how you can integrate those techniques into your play. Plus, some online videos from experienced players or coaches can give you new ideas.
Each time you implement a new volleyball passing cue or improve your form, take a moment to celebrate. It’s easy to focus only on what needs work, but noticing your progress builds confidence. Remember that example of a quick serve you managed to send perfectly to the setter? That's growth worth celebrating.
The game’s whistle might seem loud and daunting at first, but with all the practice you’re putting in, you're more than equipped for anything headed your way. Every stumble, every missed pass, and every bit of feedback gets you closer to mastering volleyball passing.
Feel ready to transform your game? Dive deeper into volleyball insights and tips by visiting ImproveYourVolley.com. Together, we’ll keep pushing those boundaries, making each serve and pass stronger than the last. Get out there and show them what you’ve got, champs! 🌟
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
What Are You Looking For?
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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.
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-Coach April
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