High School Volleyball Tips 4 Ways To Improve Volleyball Skills Alone

Use these four ways to improve volleyball tips as helpful hints and lessons on how to play better starting with passing, setting, spiking, digging, blocking and serving.

Are you stuck watching from the bench while other players get more court time? 

This guide covers four (4) proven methods to improve your skills. For detailed drills and training plans, check out:

• How to Practice Volleyball Alone -        Solo drills you can do at home
• Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills -             12 drills covering all 6 skills
• Workouts to Improve Volleyball Skills -      4-week structured training plan

You show up to every practice. You work hard. You WANT to improve.

But somehow your skills aren't getting better fast enough, and you're watching other players get the playing time you think you deserve.

Here's what I learned after coaching well over 1000 high school volleyball players:

The difference between bench players and starters isn't talent—it's consistent, intentional repetition practice.

Trust me, I know.
You can't control your coach's decisions about who plays and who sits.

But you CAN control your skill development.

And the best part?

You don't need fancy equipment, a private coach, or even a training partner to get dramatically better.

I'm going to show you the exact four (4) methods I used to go from an inconsistent player to a confident starter—and the same system I've used to help hundreds of players earn more court time, make varsity, and even get recruited.

These methods work whether you have 10 minutes before practice or a full hour at home alone after you've finished your homework.

Let's get you off that bench.

With these 4 high school volleyball tips I explain how to improve volleyball skills on your own without the help of your coach in practice and in games.

Plus, I'm including a 4-week progressive training schedule that shows you exactly what to practice, how many reps to do, and how to track your improvement week by week.

In high school volleyball when learning the game every player should know they're going to make mistakes. It's a part of the learning process.

The trick is to learn how to be the player that makes the least amount of errors.

But don't be afraid of making mistakes because that's how you learn. Be fearless about trying new things and go for it.

Here's the truth. Your competition is practicing right now. The question isn't whether you should practice—it's whether you're practicing the RIGHT things.

One way to minimize errors and improve your volleyball skills is by practicing your passing technique with wall drills.

Set up a target against a wall and practice passing the ball with accuracy and control. Pick a specific spot—a brick, chalk mark, or tape—that anyone can see from across the room.

Stand 5 feet from the wall and complete 3-5 sets of 100 reps. Side-step two feet between sets, then step back and repeat.

Why this works: Daily wall passing keeps your platform angle, ball contact, and control extremely sharp—even when you don't have a partner or court access.

Want the complete system? See our [How to Practice Volleyball Alone] guide for the full 4-week wall passing progression, self-assessment checklists, and position-specific variations for liberos and defensive specialists.

Want the complete wall passing system? See my How to Practice Volleyball Alone guide with the full 4-week progression and self-assessment checklists.

The whole idea of supporting or not supporting your teammates comes in many forms...

• from showing up late to practices,
• complaining about playing time,
• to the effort you give in all practices, 
• to not being in shape which becomes obvious when your team plays more than 3 sets or has long practices, 
• to never giving up in tight games 

Always bring your best self to practices and to show up in support of your teammates. 

Here's an irrefutable truth:

College coaches watch you just as closely when you're on the bench as when you're on the court.

They're evaluating:

• How you react when a teammate makes an error
• Your body language during timeouts
• Whether you're cheering or sulking about playing time
• How you talk to your parents after games
• How you respond to your coach's instructions

I've seen talented players lose scholarship opportunities because of what they did on the bench, not what they did on the court.

Here's how to become the setter everyone trusts...

To improve your volleyball skills and support your teammates, you can work on your setting technique.

Find a target, such as a basketball hoop, and practice setting the ball accurately towards the target.

Concentrate on using proper hand positioning and giving your teammates a set they can work with.

Practicing your setting skills will make you a more reliable teammate and improve your ability to assist others during games.

Want to master setting? Check out our How to Practice Volleyball Alone guide for setting progressions and self-assessment checklists, or see Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills for partner setting variations.

Tough volleyball serves work as the game's "equalizer" because from start to finish you control every aspect and especially the outcome of the serve.

If you're willing to take risks in practice then you'll be preparing yourself to be confident enough to take risks during match point and during tight moments in games.

Learning to be the top scorer on your team means you need to be

• willing to call for the ball,
• want the ball, or
• demand the ball from your setter in tight situations

especially in moments where everyone else may be afraid to do so.  

In practice ask for balls and keep asking for balls from your setter, repeatedly. This will help you face your fear of hitting for points for your team when it really really counts. 

Here's what separates good players from great ones: Great players WANT the ball when the game is on the line.

They've practiced taking risks so many times in training that game pressure doesn't shake them—it energizes them.

You know what I see all the time?

Players who crush it in practice but shrink in tight game moments because they've never practiced being uncomfortable.

The solution? Make your solo training sessions uncomfortable on purpose.

In tight games or on game point be willing to take risks

To be more confident in taking risks during crucial moments in games, focus on improving your spiking skills.

Set up a target or a net and practice your approach and spiking technique.

Work on hitting the ball with power and accuracy, targeting specific spots on the court.

By practicing your spiking on your own, you'll become more comfortable and assertive in taking risks during games.

Want the complete hitting system? See our How to Practice Volleyball Alone guide for approach footwork progressions and self-toss spiking drills, or check out Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills for target spiking variations.

Here's why serving is the BEST skill to practice alone: You control everything. The toss. The contact. The target. The outcome.

While your teammates need a partner to practice passing or setting, you can become a serving ace completely on your own.

Practice serving to specific zones, track your accuracy, and create pressure scenarios ("I must make 8/10 serves or repeat the set"). This builds the confidence you need to serve aggressively at match point.

Want a complete serving system? My Complete Serving System Checklists includes 9 progressive checklists from first serve to college-level serving mastery, or see our Workouts to Improve Volleyball Skills for a 4-week serving progression.

As a high school varsity or JV volleyball player there are many things you can do on the court in a game without touching the ball.

By doing these things you help increase the possibility of your team's success in winning against your opponent.

Here's an irrefutable truth coaches notice immediately: Players who contribute between plays are the ones who earn trust and playing time.

You can't control whether the setter gives you the ball.

But you CAN control

• your effort
• your positioning
• your communication and
• your support

—and coaches are watching ALL of it.

Hitter coverage means if you're a defender in the backrow, a setter, or a hitter who hasn't been set the ball... you go to "cover your hitter" who has been set the ball so that when they hit the ball, if they get blocked, you and the other five players who are not actually hitting the ball...are positioned in a semicircle around the player who is hitting, so one of you five can get the ball up again in the air so its replayed before the ball hits the floor.  

This way by "covering your hitter" you give yourself another chance to run your offense and replay the ball again. 

One of my pet peeves is when a setter sets the ball and just watches their set to see what happens next instead of following the path of the ball towards their hitter and going immediately into covering their hitter so if the ball gets blocked they are in position to replay it up again.

Do you yell, scream and cheer to support your teammates on the court or are you quiet and thinking about complaining to the coach about playing time? 

College coaches come to watch potential recruits when they are off the court and not playing just as much as they do when they are on the court...so they know more about who the player is ..when they are not in the game. 

• How supportive or selfish they are.
• How they talk to their parents
• What their body language is and 
• how they listen to their high school coach's instructions

Real talk: I've personally seen college coaches cross players off their recruiting lists because of what they saw on the bench.

One player—incredibly talented—lost a scholarship opportunity because a college coach watched her roll her eyes when a teammate made an error.

Another player—good, not great—earned a roster spot because the coach saw her cheering louder than anyone else despite not playing a single point that match.

Your behavior on the bench is a skill you can practice just like passing or setting.

When you're not touching the ball, you can still contribute to your team's success by improving your defensive skills.

Use a wall to practice your digging technique on your own. Focus on moving quickly to the anticipated landing spot of the ball and using the correct form to dig the ball up.

By honing your defensive skills, you'll be able to provide better coverage for your team and increase the likelihood of winning rallies.

Want defensive drills? See our Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills page for digging progressions and reading drills, or check out How to Practice Volleyball Alone for solo defensive reaction training.

Check out my complete Training Equipment List where I share exactly what I use with my players—budget-friendly options that actually work.

By incorporating these specific drills and exercises into your individual practice sessions, you can enhance your volleyball skills and make significant improvements.

Remember to always focus on proper technique and practice with intention to maximize your progress.

But here's the thing: Random practice without a plan leads to random results.

That's why I created a complete system to take the guesswork out of your training...

You now have four proven methods to improve your volleyball skills:

• ✓ Master the fundamentals through consistent wall drills and self-assessment
• ✓ Support your teammates by becoming reliable in your role
• ✓ Take calculated risks by practicing uncomfortable situations
• ✓ Contribute between plays through positioning, coverage, and attitude

But knowing WHAT to practice isn't enough—you need to know WHEN, HOW MUCH, and HOW TO TRACK your progress.

I've organized these methods into a complete 4-week training system that tells you exactly what to practice each day, how many reps to complete, and how to measure your improvement week by week.

Week 1: Foundation Building (20-25 min/day)
Week 2: Accuracy & Control (25-30 min/day)
Week 3: Speed & Game Situations (30-35 min/day)
Week 4: Performance Testing (35-40 min/day)

See the complete schedule: Workouts to Improve Volleyball Skills

• After Week 1:

Noticeable improvement in technique and consistency

• After Week 2:

Increased accuracy and confidence in your skills

• After Week 3:

Faster reactions and better game-speed performance

• After Week 4: 

Measurable improvement you can see in practices and games.

"I went from barely making contact on serves to serving 85% accuracy in four weeks."                                            —Megan, HS Sophomore

"My passing improved so much that I moved from JV to varsity mid-season."                                                            —Jordan, HS Junior

"The wall drills alone changed my setting. My coach noticed after two weeks."                                                   —Taylor, HS Setter

All you need is a volleyball, a wall, and 20-40 minutes per day.

Optional: resistance bands, agility ladder, knee pads.

See the complete equipment list: How to Practice Volleyball Alone

Ready to take action? Choose your path:

• - How to Practice Volleyball Alone - Start training today with no partner needed
• - Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills - Get 12 skill-specific drills
• - Workouts to Improve Volleyball Skills - Follow a 4-week progressive plan

Here's a 10-question content that provides answers on ways to improve volleyball skills:

Question 1: How can I minimize errors and improve my volleyball skills?
Answer: One way to minimize errors is by practicing your passing technique. Set up a target against a wall and focus on passing the ball accurately and consistently.

Question 2: How can I support my teammates and become a better player?
Answer: Always support your teammates and never give up on them. Show up to practices with a positive attitude, give your best effort, and be willing to help and encourage your teammates.

Question 3: How can I gain confidence to take risks during crucial moments in games?

Answer: To gain confidence, practice taking risks in your training sessions. Work on your spiking technique and challenge yourself to go for difficult shots. Over time, you will become more comfortable and assertive in game situations.

Question 4: What can I do to contribute to my team's success even when I'm not touching the ball?

Answer: Take action between plays by focusing on improving your defensive skills. Practice your digging technique and work on quick movements to anticipate the landing spot of the ball.

Question 5: How can I improve my setting skills and become a reliable teammate?

Answer: Find a target, such as a basketball hoop, and practice setting the ball accurately towards it. Focus on proper hand positioning and giving your teammates consistent and usable sets.

Question 6: What can I do to increase my volleyball knowledge and game awareness?

Answer: Watch professional matches, study game strategies, and observe experienced players. This will enhance your understanding of the game and help you make informed decisions during matches.

Question 7: How can I improve my serving skills?

Answer: Practice serving consistently and with different techniques. Work on targeting specific areas of the court, such as the sidelines or deep corners, to keep your opponents off balance.

Question 8: What can I do to enhance my agility and quickness on the court?

Answer: Incorporate agility drills into your training routine. Focus on footwork, lateral movements, and reaction time exercises to improve your overall agility and quickness.

Question 9: How can I improve my communication and teamwork skills?

Answer: Be vocal on the court, communicate with your teammates, and provide clear instructions during games. Practice effective communication during team drills and scrimmages.

Question 10: How can I improve my mental toughness and resilience?

Answer: Develop a positive mindset and practice mental exercises, such as visualization and mindfulness, to improve focus and mental resilience. Additionally, set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them, which will help strengthen your mental toughness.

Remember, consistent practice, dedication, and a growth mindset are key to improving your volleyball skills.

Here's a quiz to test your knowledge on ways to improve volleyball skills:

Question 1: How can you minimize errors and improve your volleyball skills?
a) Practice your passing technique
b) Attend more team practices
c) Avoid taking risks in games

Question 2: True or False: It's important to support your teammates and never give up on them.
a) True
b) False

Question 3: How can you gain confidence to take risks during games?
a) Practice taking risks in training sessions
b) Avoid trying new things and stick to what you know
c) Only take risks when the game outcome is not important

Question 4: What can you do to contribute to your team's success even when you're not touching the ball?
a) Improve your defensive skills
b) Focus on your individual performance only
c) Take a break and conserve your energy

Question 5: How can you improve your setting skills?
a) Practice setting the ball accurately towards a target
b) Ignore practicing setting and focus on other skills
c) Trust your teammates to do the setting for you

Question 6: How can you enhance your agility and quickness on the court?
a) Incorporate agility drills into your training routine
b) Skip warm-up exercises to save time
c) Avoid quick movements to prevent injuries

Question 7: True or False: Watching professional matches and studying game strategies cannot help improve your volleyball knowledge.
a) True
b) False

Question 8: How can you improve your serving skills?
a) Practice serving consistently and targeting specific areas of the court
b) Avoid serving during practice to save energy
c) Use the same serving technique every time to avoid mistakes

Question 9: How can you improve your communication and teamwork skills?

a) Be vocal on the court and practice effective communication during team drills
b) Avoid talking to your teammates during games to stay focused
c) Rely solely on hand signals instead of verbal communication

Question 10: How can you improve your mental toughness and resilience?

a) Develop a positive mindset and practice mental exercises such as visualization
b) Avoid setting goals for yourself
c) Let external factors completely dictate your mental state

Give yourself a point for each correct answer, then check your score below!

Score:
0-3: You have room for improvement! Brush up on ways to enhance your volleyball skills.
4-7: Not bad! You have a decent understanding of ways to improve, but keep learning and practicing.
8-10: Great job! You have a solid grasp of the various strategies to enhance your volleyball skills. Keep up the good work!

Note: The correct answers are:
1. a) Practice your passing technique
2. a) True
3. a) Practice taking risks in training sessions
4. a) Improve your defensive skills
5. a) Practice setting the ball accurately towards a target
6. a) Incorporate agility drills into your training routine
7. b) False
8. a) Practice serving consistently and targeting specific areas of the court
9. a) Be vocal on the court and practice effective communication during team drills
10. a) Develop a positive mindset and practice mental exercises such as visualization

Choose Your Training Path:

🏐 Want to practice alone?
How to Practice Volleyball Alone - Solo drills, wall progressions, and no-partner training methods

📋 Need specific drills?
Drills to Improve Volleyball Skills - 12 drills covering all 6 skills with step-by-step instructions

📅 Want a structured plan?
Workouts to Improve Volleyball Skills - Complete 4-week training system with daily schedules and tracking

✓ Volleyball Skills Checklist Bundle - Self-assessment checklists and progress tracking for all skills
✓ Complete Serving System - 9 progressive serving checklists from first serve to college level
✓ Volleyball Passing Bundle - 6 passing checklists with position-specific training plans
✓ 100 Good Volleyball Tips Ebook - Video demonstrations and position-specific coaching

Check out my Training Equipment List for budget-friendly gear recommendations with no affiliate links—just honest advice from 20+ years of coaching.

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. 

Good times! Where do you need to go now? Here are three options: 

1. Learn more about the Tips.
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the Volleyball Tips section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.  

If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SQUAD Volleyball Club (@squadvbc)

From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SQUAD Volleyball Club (@squadvbc)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vegas Volley (@vegas_volley)

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

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