How to get into volleyball

Start here

Because rallies restart constantly, mixed-ability groups can play together far more easily than in most team sports.

The right first step in volleyball is smaller than most beginners assume. Do these things in order.

• Learn the forearm pass (bump) first — it's 80% of beginner play
• Play grass or beach 4s where you touch the ball constantly
• Get knee pads for indoor play
• Call the ball loudly; hesitation causes most beginner errors
• Join a rec league in the lowest division and move up

What to buy — and what to skip

Buy the minimum, use it for a month, then upgrade what actually limits you.

• Court shoes
• Knee pads
• Ball
• Beach: nothing but sunscreen

Where to train

These are the venue types to search for locally. Clubs and gyms in the SportConnect directory list their sports, levels and session times, so you can filter for beginner-friendly options.

• Indoor courts
• Beach courts
• Sports halls
• Grass courts in summer

Pick the right format

Beginners who choose the wrong format usually decide the sport isn't for them. Start with Indoor 6s, or an easier variant.

• Indoor 6s
• Beach doubles
• Grass 4s
• Co-ed rec leagues
• Open play

Why it's worth it

What people get out of volleyball once they're past the first month.

• Co-ed leagues are the norm, not the exception
• Beach volleyball doubles as summer social sport
• Zero contact — very low injury risk
• Open play sessions accept individuals
• Skills are learnable in a structured order

Find people to train with

Nothing keeps a new sport going like other people expecting you. Create a free profile with volleyball as your sport and your level, then browse players, coaches and clubs in your city and message the ones running beginner sessions.

Your first month

1. 01

   Week 1 — passing drills

   Partner passing against a wall or with a friend. Platform and footwork before anything else.

2. 02

   Week 2 — open play session

   Rotate through games with mixed abilities. Focus on making the first contact clean.

3. 03

   Week 3 — learn to set

   Setting is the hardest fundamental. Ten minutes of setting practice a session compounds fast.

4. 04

   Week 4 — join a rec team

   Sign up for a co-ed rec league in a beginner division and get a weekly game.

Frequently asked questions

Find a volleyball coach

A few sessions with a coach shortcuts months of guesswork. Every coach on SportConnect lists their sport, location, session formats, rates and availability, so you can compare before you message.

Keep reading

Keep exploring SportConnect