Consistent high-quality passing makes every team better. Here are 7 different Platform Control Drills that are designed to isolate a player’s platform and improve their touch on the ball. These drills will give players the necessary repetitions required to develop the proper fundamentals needed to be a consistent passer.
The clip is from The ART of Coaching Volleyball and was a featured Tip of the Week by the AVCA. For more great volleyball coaching drills, like the platform control drills seen below, visit the www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com or the AVCA YouTube Channel
The Platform Control Drills are demonstrated and explained by USA Girls National Team Assistant Coach Brooke Coulter are great ways to isolate the player’s platform and develop touch on the ball.
The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. (some schools block access to YouTube)
Platform Control Drills
While simple in nature this drills are not only great for platform control, but are great for camp settings. These drills are great to use when rehabbing injured players or anytime you want many players to get a lot of reps in a short period of time.
The progression of platform control drills begins with the player on one knee about six feet from a wall. The player will pass the ball forward towards a box marked on the wall. The player continues until they have hit 50 balls in the box.
The next progression is to have the player extend one leg to the side while the other leg is still on the ground. The goal is again to hit 50 balls in the box and then switch legs.
To work on passing from a non linear position have the player extend on leg forward diagonally across their body while the other knee is on the ground. The key in this platform control drill is to get the shoulders forward and keep the front shoulder lowered. Once again hit 50 balls into the box and switch legs.
Next, have the player stand on one leg and complete 50 reps with each leg. The fifth drill in the progression of platform control drills requires the player to stand and alternate which foot is forward. The players should switch their stance between each pass. Continue until 100 balls have been hit into the box.
The sixth drill is another non linear platform control drill. In this drill the players stand facing to one side or the other and strike 50 balls into the box.
The final drill is a fun drill that helps develop touch. Have the player hit the ball up and try to get the ball to stick in the sweet spot of their platform.
If done consistently, these platform control drill will improve a players ability to control their passes.