Volleyball Practice Plans for Ages 13–14
Age-appropriate volleyball practices for 13–14 year olds (U14) — built to keep every kid active and having fun. Contacts over lines — every player touching the ball.
By thirteen and fourteen, kids can train much like older athletes — structured warmups, focused skill work, tactical drills, and competitive game situations. They can handle repetition and correction, and many are genuinely committed. Push the intensity and the details, but keep the environment positive: this age quits fastest when practice becomes a joyless grind.
What a great 13–14 practice looks like
What to work on in volleyball
Forearm passing platform and footwork — the foundation, drilled in pairs for max contacts.
Hand position and soft touch, built through partner and small-group reps.
Underhand and overhand serving with a repeatable routine and lots of attempts.
2v2 and 3v3 give kids far more contacts and decisions than 6v6.
Gear: Lots of volleyballs (lighter ones for young kids), a net at the right height, and cones.
A sample 13–14 volleyball practice plan
Here's a real 75-minute plan Coach Coach generated for a 13–14 volleyball team. Yours is customized to your kids and ready in under 30 seconds.
🏆 Volleyball Practice — Ages 13-14 — 75 min
⏱️ Warmup (10 min)
- Dynamic Volleyball Circuit — Set up 4 stations (e.g., jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and arm circles). Kids rotate every 2 minutes. Keeps them moving and warms up volleyball muscles without boring stretching.
🎯 Skill Work (40 min)
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Partner Passing Drills (15 min) — Pair up kids. Have them stand about 10 feet apart, practicing bump passes. Focus on using proper form: knees bent, arms straight. Coaching cue: "Arms like a platform, eyes on the ball!" Success is consistent, controlled passes back and forth.
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Serving Practice (15 min) — Line kids up on one side of the court. Each takes turns serving over the net. Encourage different serve styles (overhand, underhand). Coaching cue: "Toss high, swing strong!" Success looks like getting the ball over the net more consistently.
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Setting Circle (10 min) — Form a circle. One kid in the middle sets the ball to each player around the circle in turn. Rotate the middle player every 2 minutes. Focus on quick footwork and soft hands. Coaching cue: "Push with fingers, not palms!" Success is accurate sets to teammates.
🏃 Game Time (20 min)
- 4v4 Mini-Game — Split into 3 teams of 4. Play round-robin style mini-games to 10 points. Rotate teams after each game. Encourage communication and teamwork. Modified rule: no spiking; focus on setting and passing. Look for smart plays rather than power.
🧊 Wrap Up (5 min)
- Volleyball Quiz — Quick round of questions like "What's one thing you improved today?" or "What's a new skill you want to try next time?" Finish with high-fives and a team cheer.
🎒 What to Bring
- 8 volleyballs
- 12 cones for stations
- A whistle
- Scoreboard (optional for mini-games)
Setup Note: Use cones to mark station areas and mini-game boundaries before practice starts.
📋 Coach's Cheat Sheet
- Say: "Great effort on the pass!" or "Nice form on that serve!"
- Watch for: Kids using palms instead of fingers when setting (gently remind: "Use your fingertips!")
- Praise loud: "Awesome teamwork!" whenever kids communicate well.
✅ Coach Coach Check
- Every kid gets touches in every drill
- No standing in long lines — keep them moving
- Includes a small-sided game for maximum fun and engagement
- Age-appropriate intensity with a focus on fundamentals and teamwork
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Build your volleyball planVolleyball practice questions
What should a volleyball practice for 13–14 year olds look like?
By thirteen and fourteen, kids can train much like older athletes — structured warmups, focused skill work, tactical drills, and competitive game situations. They can handle repetition and correction, and many are genuinely committed. Push the intensity and the details, but keep the environment positive: this age quits fastest when practice becomes a joyless grind.
How do I maximize touches at volleyball practice?
Work in pairs and small groups with as many balls as you have. Partner passing and small-sided games give every player dozens of contacts instead of waiting in a line for one.
What should beginner volleyball players learn first?
Forearm passing (the bump) and a comfortable serve. Those two skills let kids actually rally, which is where the fun and learning happen.
Should young players use a lower net and lighter ball?
Yes. A lowered net and a lighter or foam ball let kids succeed, build real technique, and enjoy longer rallies.