3.1 Drill #2.1

Rhythmic Ball Control (Fixed)

 

Instructions

  1. Stand, control the ball in place.
  2. Maintain consistent height for each shot.
  3. While the ball is in the air, mentally count to 2.
  4. For example: "1, 2 | 1, 2 | 1, 2 | 1, 2"

 

Variation

  • 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, or more
  • Overhand
  • Underhand
  • One-handed
  • Alternating left and right hands

 

3.1 Drill #2.2

Rhythmic Ball Control (Alternative)

 

Instructions

  1. Stand, control the ball in place.
  2. Change the height of each shot in an intermittent pattern.
  3. While the ball is in the air, mentally count to 2.
  4. Count to 3 for the next shot, and so on.
  5. For example: "1, 2 | 1, 2, 3 | 1, 2 | 1, 2, 3"

 

Variation

  • Overhand
  • Underarm
  • Single arm
  • Alternating left and right hands
  • Get creative!

Demonstration video 2

 

3.2 Tips

Every hit is a fine-tuning exercise.

 

1. Don't strive for "perfect" as you need to feel the power and rhythm.

Initially, you might not hit the ball to the exact same height every time, which is normal.

More important than perfect consistency is knowing how high and how fast you'll hit it.

If the result differs from your expectations, it's a great opportunity for adjustment, not a failure.

Each silent count provides a guideline for adjusting the "next shot."

It's not about making you think you've failed, but about how to correct.

 

2. Counting isn't about controlling the ball, but about observing yourself.

Silently counting "1, 2" or "1, 2, 3" isn't about using numbers to "limit" your movements.

It's about giving you a reference point after each shot,

so you can adjust your next shot based on that reference point.

For example, if the target time for this shot is three seconds, but I only count to two,

I can then know to hit the ball with more power the next time.

When you start paying attention to this, rhythm gradually changes from "external numbers" to "a feeling within your body."

For example:

Situation Reference Guidelines How to Improve
The ball is hit too high It stays in the air too long The next shot needs to be hit with less power
The ball is hit too low Insufficient time in the air The next shot can be hit from a lower position to try and get the ball more time in the air.

 

 

3.3 Practice Mindset

Every shot is a fine-tuning

(Very important, so I'm emphasizing it again here)

 

Why is rhythm so important in volleyball?

Take serve receive as an example:

  • When you see the setter hasn't reached their position yet

👉 you can intentionally slow down your pass

👉 giving your setter more time and avoiding them to chase the ball

  • When you see the setter has reached the net

👉 you can pass faster

👉 to coordinate with the tactics, creating a rhythm difference that catches the opponent off guard.

 

Similarly, as a setter:

  • Different tactics require different pass heights
  • But more importantly: different speeds and rhythms

 

Rhythm is actually an ability that is trying to "coordinate with others".

These concept may seem a bit abstract for you now.

That's completely normal!

 

What you need to do now is not to fully understand, but to try continuously, compare continuously, and adjust continuously .

When your body accumulates enough "expectations vs. results," the feel and rhythm will naturally emerge.