Teams that can master their transitions increase their ability to win matches. Here are 4 drills to help your squad improve its transition play.
Volleyball Transition Drill No. 1: Hitting
Have two hitting lines set up with both coaches tossing balls to be hit. Two players start off shagging balls.
Each player hits two balls in a row, like in transition, and then they go and shag two balls and the shaggers then go and become hitters.
Volleyball Transition Drill No. 2: Team Transition
Set up both teams just as though they are about to play a game--one team in serve receive and the other serving. Have one team serve and play out the rally.
The team that wins the rally receives a point, and the coach immediately tosses them a ball--forcing them to transition and attack the ball. The coach keeps tossing a ball to the team that wins the rally. Try playing until a team reaches five rallies and then switch front row to back row.
Volleyball Transition Drill No. 3: Overpass
Set up both sides of the court in defensive positions. The front row cannot block in the initial round; they can just cover tips.
The coach tosses an overpass to one of the front row players who can either hit the ball or pass it to the setter to be played out. Play out all rallies and switch the sides each time that are being given the overpass.
After both sides have had five overpasses, rotate front to back. Play to 10 or 15. If there is a second round, allow the front row players to have the choice of blocking the overpass.
Volleyball Transition Drill No. 4: Front Row Transition
Have three front row hitters on each side. Each side should also have a setter in the right back position to play defense.
There should be one coach on either side of the net with balls. One of the coaches tosses a ball to the setter on his/her side and the setter sets one of the hitters as the other side tries to defend against the attack.
If the attack is successful, the same coach immediately tosses another ball to the setter as the hitter's transition to attack again (no tipping allowed). If the other team wins the rally, they transition and attack with their coach tossing them the ball. Play a rally score game or do it just for time.