The essential practice drills to build skills, chemistry, and conditioning for your best season yet
January hits different for volleyball coaches.
The holiday break is over. Your players are back in the gym. Some gained weight. Some lost their touch. Some spent two weeks doing nothing but scrolling TikTok and eating Christmas cookies.
And you have exactly 6-8 weeks to get your team ready for the spring season.
Whether you're coaching high school volleyball preparing for tryouts, club volleyball in mid-season grind, or running winter training sessions, January is when great coaches separate their teams from average ones.
The question isn't whether you should be running drills. It's which drills actually matter right now.
After 30 years of watching volleyball programs at every level, we've identified the five drills that consistently produce the best results in January. These aren't fancy. They're not trendy. They're proven drills that build the skills, chemistry, and conditioning your team needs to dominate when competition starts.
Here's exactly what to run in your January practices.
Why January Training Determines Your Season
Most coaches treat January like any other month of practice. That's a mistake.
January is your foundation month. What you build in January determines how far your team goes in March, April, and May.
Here's why January matters more than you think:
Fresh start mentality - New year means new goals, new energy, and new commitment. Players are motivated. Use that momentum before it fades.
Physical reset - Holiday break means players are out of volleyball shape. January is when you rebuild conditioning, rebuild timing, and rebuild muscle memory before competition intensity ramps up.
Chemistry building - If you have new players from late tryouts, transfers, or position changes, January is when team chemistry develops. Wait until February and you're behind.
Technical refinement - Competition season doesn't allow time for technical work. January practices let you fix passing mechanics, refine setter footwork, and correct hitting approaches without game pressure.
Mental preparation - Building confidence, establishing team culture, and creating competitive habits happens in January practice. Your team's mindset for the season gets established right now.
The teams that dominate in spring always have one thing in common: they treated January like it mattered.
What Makes a Great January Volleyball Drill
Not every drill belongs in January practice. The best January drills share specific characteristics:
Touches multiple skills - You don't have time for single-skill isolation drills. January drills should combine passing, setting, hitting, defenseâbuilding game-like connections between skills.
Builds conditioning naturally - Don't waste time on separate conditioning. Great drills build volleyball-specific endurance while developing skills.
Creates competition - January is when you establish competitive culture. Drills with scoring, winners/losers, and consequences prepare players for game pressure.
Works for multiple skill levels - Your team has varsity veterans and freshman beginners. The best drills scale up or down based on player ability.
Requires minimal equipment - You don't need elaborate setups. The drills below work with basic volleyball equipment you already have.
Now let's get to the actual drills.
Drill #1: Queen of the Court (Competition + All Skills)
Why this drill wins in January:
Queen of the Court builds everything simultaneouslyâskills, conditioning, competition, and chemistry. It's the single best drill for getting players back into volleyball shape after holiday break while developing game-like decision making.
Skills developed:
- Serve receive and passing
- Setting and offensive transition
- Hitting and blocking
- Defense and court coverage
- Communication and teamwork
Setup:
- Divide court in half (one "queen" side, one "challenger" side)
- Queen side starts with 3 players
- Challenger side has 3 players
- Remaining players line up as challengers waiting to rotate in
- First team to score 3 points wins
How it works:
- Coach initiates with free ball or serve to either side
- Teams play out the rally (no limits on hits)
- Winning team earns 1 point
- If queen side wins: They stay, challengers rotate out, new challengers enter
- If challenger side wins: They become new queens, old queens go to end of challenger line
- First team to 3 points on queen side wins that round
Coaching points:
- Demand communication on every ball ("mine," "help," "cover")
- Watch for lazy movementâplayers should move to ball, not wait for it
- Correct passing platforms and footwork in real-time
- Emphasize transition speed after each contact
Variations for different skill levels:
Beginner: Coach initiates every rally with easy free balls, allow catching to correct positioning
Intermediate: Add serving instead of coach-initiated balls, require specific rotation patterns
Advanced: Add blocking requirements, allow tips and rolls, play to 5 points instead of 3
Equipment needed:
- Volleyball net
- 2-3 volleyballs
- Court space
Why players love this drill: It's competitive, fast-paced, and everyone touches the ball constantly. No standing around. No boring repetition.
Drill #2: Butterfly Passing (Serve Receive Focus)
Why this drill wins in January:
Passing is the foundation of volleyball. If your team can't pass in January, they won't win in March. Butterfly builds passing consistency, communication, and movement patterns that translate directly to game situations.
Skills developed:
- Serve receive passing
- Setter target accuracy
- Movement and footwork
- Communication between passers
- Court awareness and positioning
Setup:
- Two lines of passers on receiving side (left and right)
- One setter at net
- Two lines of servers on opposite side (left and right)
- Passers, setters, and servers rotate in butterfly pattern after each rep
How it works:
- Server on left serves cross-court to right side passer
- Passer passes to setter target
- Setter catches and rolls ball to server line on right
- Passer follows pass to setter position
- Setter goes to serving line
- Server goes to passing line on opposite side
- Repeat continuouslyâserver on right serves to left passer, pattern continues
Coaching points:
- Watch passer footworkâshould move feet to ball, not reach with arms
- Passers should call ball loudly before contact
- Platform should be angled to target, not flat
- Setters should provide clear verbal target before serve
- Servers should focus on consistency, not power (this is passing drill, not serving drill)
Variations for different skill levels:
Beginner: Servers toss underhand or easy serves, focus on perfect passing form
Intermediate: Add serving zones (deep, short, line, angle), passers must adjust
Advanced: Setter sets the pass to hitting line instead of catching, add hitting component
Common mistakes to fix:
- Players not moving feet (passing from stationary position)
- Arms swinging instead of staying firm at contact
- Not communicating before ball arrives
- Setter not giving clear target location
Equipment needed:
- Volleyball net
- 4-6 volleyballs (keeps drill moving without waiting for ball retrieval)
- Court space
Pro tip: Run this drill for 10-15 minutes at the start of every January practice. Consistent passing repetition in January prevents passing breakdowns in competition.
Drill #3: 3-Person Pepper (Ball Control + Conditioning)
Why this drill wins in January:
Three-person pepper is deceptively simple and brutally effective. It builds ball control, conditioning, and the ability to play extended ralliesâexactly what separates good teams from great teams in tight matches.
Skills developed:
- Passing accuracy and control
- Setting consistency
- Hitting placement and control
- Defensive reactions
- Extended rally endurance
Setup:
- Groups of 3 players
- 1 volleyball per group
- Minimum 10x10 foot space per group (can use half court for 2-3 groups)
How it works:
- Player A passes to Player B (setter position)
- Player B sets to Player C
- Player C hits controlled shot to Player A
- Player A passes to Player B
- Repeat continuouslyâgoal is to keep ball alive as long as possible
Coaching points:
- Passes should be high and accurate to setter position
- Sets should be outside, consistent height and location
- Hits should be controlled (70% power), focusing on placement not kills
- Players should move to ball, staying active and balanced
- Count consecutive contacts as team goal (challenge: 50 in a row, 100 in a row)
Variations for different skill levels:
Beginner: Allow catching between contacts to correct positioning, reduce space requirements
Intermediate: Add movement (players must touch sideline between contacts), increase tempo
Advanced: No catching on errors (play ball out even on bad passes), add blocking (4-person pepper with blocker)
Competitive element:
- Challenge groups to consecutive contact records
- Winning group gets water break while others continue
- Track improvement week-to-week (January Week 1 vs January Week 4 progress)
Equipment needed:
- 1 volleyball per group of 3 players
- Court space (half court accommodates 6-9 players easily)
Why this drill matters in January: Players lose touch and timing over break. Pepper rebuilds ball control and conditioning simultaneously. By late January, your team should be running pepper for 10+ minutes without breaksâthat's game-ready endurance.
Drill #4: Continuous Hitting Lines (Offense Development)
Why this drill wins in January:
Hitting separates winning teams from losing teams. January is when you refine approach footwork, timing with setters, and shot selection before competition starts. Continuous hitting lines build offensive rhythm and conditioning.
Skills developed:
- Hitting approach and footwork
- Timing with setter
- Arm swing mechanics
- Shot placement and selection
- Offensive conditioning and endurance
Setup:
- Hitting line on left side (outside position)
- Hitting line on right side (opposite position)
- One setter at net
- Coach or target on opposite side for ball retrieval
- Passers/defenders on opposite side (optional for advanced variation)
How it works:
- Coach tosses/passes ball to setter from backcourt
- Setter sets left side hitter
- Hitter approaches, hits, shags own ball, returns to line
- Coach immediately tosses to setter
- Setter sets right side hitter
- Hitter approaches, hits, shags ball, returns to line
- Repeat continuouslyâleft, right, left, rightâfor 5-10 minutes
Coaching points:
- Watch approach footwork (left-right-left for right-handed hitters)
- Hitters should be moving as setter touches ball (timing, not waiting)
- Arm swing should be full extension, high contact point
- After hitting, players should land balanced and immediately transition to shag ball
- Setters should focus on consistent location (same spot every time)
Variations for different skill levels:
Beginner: Setter can toss instead of set, hitters focus on form not power, slow tempo
Intermediate: Add blocking (1 blocker at net), require specific shots (line vs angle)
Advanced: Add passers/defenders on opposite side, hitters must score against live defense, track kill percentage
Competitive element:
- Set goal: 10 consecutive kills before water break
- Track individual kill percentages (makes 7 out of 10 attempts = 70%)
- Winners/losers format: Missed hit = you're out, last hitter standing wins
Equipment needed:
- Volleyball net
- 6-8 volleyballs (keeps drill flowing without waiting for shags)
- Court space
January focus: Don't just let players swing wildly. January is when you fix mechanical issuesâapproaches, arm swings, contact points. Competition season doesn't allow time for technical corrections.
Drill #5: Scramble Drill (Defense + Hustle)
Why this drill wins in January:
Defense wins championships. Scramble drill builds the defensive intensity, hustle, and never-quit mentality that separates contenders from pretenders. This drill is exhausting, demanding, and game-changing.
Skills developed:
- Defensive reactions and digs
- Diving and floor play
- Pursuit and hustle
- Mental toughness
- Team defensive coverage
Setup:
- 6 defensive players on one side of court (full rotation)
- Coach on opposite side with cart of volleyballs
- Ball shaggers ready to retrieve (or use remaining players as shaggers)
How it works:
- Coach attacks ball at defensive team (hit, tip, rollârandom)
- Defense must dig and keep ball alive
- Immediately after first ball is played, coach attacks second ball
- Defense must adjust and play second ball
- Coach continues rapid-fire attacksâ3rd ball, 4th ball, 5th ball
- Defense must keep every ball alive until coach stops (usually 5-7 balls per round)
- No setting to target requiredâjust keep ball off floor
Coaching points:
- Demand loud communication ("mine," "help," "short," "deep")
- Players must move feet to ballâno lazy reaching or standing
- Reward diving and floor playâhustle matters more than perfect form
- Watch for players quitting on ballsâeveryone pursues until whistle
- Rest between rounds (this drill is intense)
Variations for different skill levels:
Beginner: Coach tips and rolls only (no hard hits), slower tempo, 3 balls per round
Intermediate: Mix of hits/tips/rolls, faster tempo, 5 balls per round, require controlled pass to target
Advanced: All hard attacks, random locations, 7+ balls per round, add setter and transition to offense after dig
Competitive element:
- Set team goal: Keep all 5 balls alive = win the round
- Losing round = penalty (push-ups, sprints, extra round)
- Track rounds won across January (Week 1 vs Week 4 improvement)
Equipment needed:
- Volleyball net
- 10-15 volleyballs in cart
- Court space
- Water bottles nearby (players will need them)
Mental toughness component: This drill is hard. Players will want to quit. Don't let them. January is when you build the mental resilience that wins close matches in April and May.
Why coaches love this drill: You see immediately who has championship mentality and who quits when things get hard. Use January to identify your warriors.
Essential Volleyball Training Equipment for January Drills
Running effective January practices requires the right volleyball equipment. Here's what you need:
Volleyballs (Competition and Practice)
Competition volleyballs:
- More affordable for daily drill work
- Buy in sets of 12-18 for continuous drills like hitting lines and scramble
- Replace worn practice balls annually
Why ball quality matters: Inconsistent balls create bad habits. Players adjust to ball flight and feel. Use quality volleyballs even in practice.
Volleyball Net and Standards
Competition-grade nets:
- Proper tension and height settings
- Durable construction for daily practice use
- Easy height adjustment for men's/women's programs
Portable volleyball systems:
- Perfect for programs with limited dedicated court space
- Allows outdoor practice in good weather
- Quick setup and breakdown
Training Aids and Equipment
- Essential for continuous hitting lines and scramble drill
- Holds 18-24 volleyballs for efficient practice flow
- Saves time on ball retrieval and keeps drill tempo high
- For continuous hitting lines with blocking variation
- Builds hitter confidence and shot selection
- Protects players while learning blocking technique
- Cones for footwork drills and movement patterns
- Ladders for conditioning and quickness
- Resistance bands for strength training
- Essential for scramble drill and defensive work
- Players need quality knee pads that stay in place during dives
- Stock multiple sizes for full roster
Why January is the Time to Update Equipment
If your volleyball equipment is worn out, January is when to replace it. Don't wait until mid-season when you need gear immediately.
Check your equipment inventory:
- Are practice volleyballs losing air or misshapen?
- Is your volleyball net sagging or torn?
- Do players have proper knee pads for defensive drills?
- Is your ball cart broken or inefficient?
Update now while you have time. All Volleyball carries everything you need for January trainingâcompetition volleyballs, practice ball sets, nets, training aids, and protective equipment.
Sample January Practice Plan Using These 5 Drills
Here's how to structure a 2-hour January practice using all five drills:
Warmup (15 minutes):
- Dynamic stretching and movement
- Light jogging and court touches
- 3-Person Pepper (builds into drill work naturally)
Skill Development Block (45 minutes):
- Butterfly Passing Drill (15 minutes) - Build serve receive consistency
- Continuous Hitting Lines (30 minutes) - Develop offense and timing
Competition Block (40 minutes):
- Queen of the Court (25 minutes) - Game-like competition and decision making
- Scramble Drill (15 minutes) - Defensive intensity and mental toughness
Cool Down (20 minutes):
- Controlled scrimmage or wash drills
- Stretching and recovery
- Team huddle and practice feedback
Why this structure works:
- Builds from technical skills (passing/hitting) to competition intensity
- Includes conditioning naturally within drills
- Touches all essential skills in one practice
- Keeps players engaged with variety
- Ends with competition that reinforces day's work
Common Mistakes Coaches Make in January
Mistake #1: Treating January like any other month
January isn't generic practice time. It's foundation building. If you're running the same drills in January that you run in April, you're missing the opportunity.
Mistake #2: Only focusing on varsity starters
Your bench players and JV team need January development too. Injuries happen. Slumps happen. The depth you build in January determines whether your season survives adversity.
Mistake #3: Skipping conditioning because "we'll get in shape during drills"
Volleyball-specific conditioning happens during drills like scramble and queen of the court. But players also need general fitness. Don't skip conditioning entirelyâembed it smartly.
Mistake #4: Not tracking progress
January only matters if you measure improvement. Track passing percentages, hitting kill rates, consecutive pepper contacts, scramble drill success rates. Show players their progress from Week 1 to Week 4.
Mistake #5: Forgetting the mental game
Skills matter. Mental toughness matters more. January is when you establish culture, competitiveness, and championship mindset. Don't just run drillsâbuild champions.
The Bottom Line: January Sets Your Season Trajectory
Your team's success in spring is determined by what you do in January.
Run these five drills consistently throughout January:
- Queen of the Court (competition + all skills)
- Butterfly Passing (serve receive foundation)
- 3-Person Pepper (ball control + conditioning)
- Continuous Hitting Lines (offensive development)
- Scramble Drill (defense + mental toughness)
Build the skills. Build the conditioning. Build the chemistry. Build the mentality.
When February arrives, your team will be ready.
The teams that dominate late-season didn't get lucky. They prepared in January while everyone else was coasting.
Ready to build your best team ever? Make sure you have the volleyball equipment you need for effective January training. Check out our complete selection of volleyballs, training aids, nets, and protective gearâeverything coaches need for championship-level practice.
Because on time, under budget, and done correctly isn't just about uniforms. It's about preparation that wins championships.
Let's make January 2026 your foundation month.