Top 5 Volleyball Drills to Improve Your Hitting Skills

If you want to dominate at the net, Hitting Drills are your secret weapon. Whether you're a beginner just learning to swing or a seasoned outside hitter fine-tuning your form, drills help develop consistent timing, powerful swings, and smart shot selection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 of the most effective drills to help elevate your offensive game.

Let’s jump in and spike that progress!

Why Volleyball Hitting Drills Matter for All Skill Levels

A volleyball player in a white and red uniform spikes the ball over the net while two opposing players in blue jerseys attempt to block. The net displays "Tokyo 2020."

Volleyball isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about timing, form, and vision. Effective hitting drills help:

Build muscle memory for the approach and swing
Improve hand-eye coordination
Sharpen your reaction time and decision-making
Train you to read blockers and adjust on the fly

Whether you play as an outside, opposite, or middle hitter, these drills give you the tools to perform under pressure and strike with precision.

Drill #1: Set Timing Drill – Mastering the Peak Jump

Volleyball player in blue spikes the ball against a team in red attempting to block at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

One of the most crucial hitting skills is timing your jump with the setter’s release.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Set Timing Drill

Work with a setter or coach who tosses balls.
Begin your approach just as their hands start the setting motion.
Jump so you meet the ball right at its peak.
Say “left-right-left” aloud if you need rhythm cues.

Coaching Tips and Common Mistakes

Don’t rush—wait for the ball, then explode.
Keep your eyes on the set, not the block.
Avoid mistiming your jump due to anticipation.

Progression Tip: Start with standing tosses, then advance to live sets.

Watch This Video to Improve Your Spike:

Drill #2: Bow-and-Arrow Arm Swings for Better Mechanics

A volleyball player in a red jersey is spiking the ball over the net, while an opposing player in an orange jersey attempts to block.

Refining your arm swing technique increases both power and accuracy.

Correct Positioning and Swing Path

Stand in place with no jump.
Lift your hitting elbow high, forming a “bow-and-arrow” position.
Swing forward through a tossed or stationary ball.
Follow through fully with a snapping motion.

Drills with Towels and Medicine Balls

Use a towel for light resistance to check your motion.
Progress to a medicine ball for shoulder activation.

Key Cues:

High elbow
Open shoulder
No “chicken wing” motion

💡Pro Tip: Record your swing to review form and correct errors.

Drill #3: Eye Tracking Toss Drill – Laser Focus on the Ball

A volleyball player in a blue and white uniform is about to hit a ball over the net during a game, with "Memorial Wagner" visible on the net and spectators in the background.

You can’t hit what you can’t see. This drill trains your eyes to lock in on the ball.

One-Eye and Blinder Variations

Have a partner toss balls with slight height variations.
Call “ball” at the moment of contact.
Try the drill with one eye closed or vision blinder glasses.

Game-Time Application for Eye Control

Practice tracking the ball during set reception.
Don’t shift your gaze to the blockers too early—see the ball first, then adjust.

Drill #4: Target Wall Hitting – Precision Training

Volleyball match action with a player in a green and blue uniform spiking the ball over the net, while two opposing players in red uniforms attempt to block him. An official stands to the side on a raised platform, overseeing the game. The arena is filled with spectators.

Want to hit sharp angles, deep corners, or tool the block? Train your contact points.

How to Hit Various Targets with Intention

Use a wall or net with visual targets.
Hit different spots using varied contact (topspin, line, tip).
Focus on finger position and wrist snap.

Solo Training Option for Home or Gym

Great for reps alone using a wall and a volleyball.
Challenge: Hit 10 shots in a row to a small square target.

This drill sharpens your shot selection under pressure.

Drill #5: Vision Hitting Drill – Read and React

Train your brain to make quick decisions mid-air.

Simulating Game-Like Situations

Use teammates to simulate blockers and defenders.
Before swinging, call out your target: “deep 5,” “tip 2,” “line shot.”

Mental Cues to Beat the Block

Say aloud: “See the block, beat the defense.”
This reminder helps you react to what’s in front of you instead of guessing.

Progression Tip: Gradually increase the speed and unpredictability of the defense setup.

Common Mistakes in Volleyball Hitting Drills

A volleyball player in a yellow jersey prepares to spike the ball over the net, while an opponent in a blue jersey attempts to block. A referee is seated on a chair next to the net. The background shows a packed audience in a sports arena.

Avoid these frequent errors:

Jumping too early or late
Rushing the swing
Not following through on the hit
Neglecting the eyes—not tracking the ball

Use video analysis or coach feedback to identify and correct these issues.

Conclusion: Build Consistency, Power, and Confidence

A volleyball player in a black jersey spikes the ball over the net during a match, while an opposing player in a white jersey attempts to block. Spectators and a cameraman are seen in the background.

Success as a hitter doesn’t come overnight—but it does come with smart, intentional practice. These volleyball hitting drills will help you master your timing, sharpen your swing, and develop elite vision. Stick with it, track your progress, and remember: see the ball, beat the block, crush the swing.

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