The worst situation that a volleyball team could be in is to show up at a game without knowing the basic skills they needed to able to be competitive. Hitting the ball, being in the right place, physical conditioning, and a player's ability to jump can help to win the game as well as gain confidence for the game. Getting back to the basics for volleyball can position a player to gain the skills necessary for every game.


General Playing Skills That Should Be Developed

1. Serving. This is where the game starts and is a skill that must be mastered. There are two basic types of serves. One is overhand; where the player tosses the ball in the air first, then hits it on the way down. The other being the underhand serve, where the player cradles the ball in one hand and swings the opposite arm underneath the ball to hit it. Once the basics are learned, a player can the learn variations of either one of these.

2. Pass or reception. This is usually set up by the setter of the game. It is used in order to take the ball and give it to the another player on your own team. Your teammates will then have the ability to put the ball to the other side like they want to.

3. Tip. A tip is used as a way to trick the other team into believing that the ball will go further than it will. The player will hit the ball lightly, making it just go over the net but not too far into the opponent's side so that they can't hit it back.

4. Dig. This is a player's ability to keep the ball from hitting the court after it has been spiked. It usually requires a player to slide underneath the ball and extend his/her arms to save the ball.

5. Rebound. This happens when the ball stays on one side (from a block), making the players "rebound", or continue to play the ball.


Physical Skills That Should Be Developed


1. Quickness. Many people think quickness and speed are the same. A volleyball player does not have to have the speed of a sprinter, but having quick reflexes is a big plus.

2. Vertical Jump. All things being equal, a volleyball player that can jump higher than the opposition has a great advantage. Being able to jump up to hit a ball prior to your opponent can help to win more points.


Developing the physical skills often leads to the improvement of the game skills. Increasing a player's quickness will help them react faster and let them get to more "digs". A player that can jump higher will be able to tip and spike the ball over the opposition easier. And the development of the combination of skills work together to provide the player with more confidence in his or her game.