Volleyball Practice Plans for Ages 5–6
Age-appropriate volleyball practices for 5–6 year olds (U6) — built to keep every kid active and having fun. Contacts over lines — every player touching the ball.
At 5 and 6, practice is really structured play. Attention spans are short — think 5-to-8-minute activities, constant movement, and zero standing in line. Every kid needs their own ball (or their own turn) because sharing and waiting is where you lose them. Skip the tactics entirely; the win is that they had fun, touched the ball a hundred times, and want to come back next week.
What a great 5–6 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 5–6 volleyball practice plan
Here's a real 45-minute plan Coach Coach generated for a 5–6 volleyball team. Yours is customized to your kids and ready in under 30 seconds.
🏆 Volleyball Practice — Ages 5-6 — 45 min
⏱️ Warmup (10 min)
- Ball Tag — Use a volleyball as the "tag" ball. One kid is "it" and gently tags others by rolling the ball at their feet. Once tagged, kids do a fun movement like hopping or spinning before rejoining. Keeps everyone moving and laughing.
🎯 Skill Work (20 min)
- Balloon Bump — Give each pair a balloon. Kids practice bumping it up with their forearms, trying to keep it in the air. Encourage teamwork and communication. Key cue: "Hands together, eyes on the balloon!" Success is lots of giggles and balloons staying off the floor.
- Beach Ball Rally — Form small groups (3-4 kids) with a beach ball. Kids try to pass the ball back and forth using a bump or set. Count how many times they can keep it going without the ball hitting the ground. Key cue: "Use soft hands!" Praise all attempts.
🏃 Game Time (10 min)
- Mini Volleyball — Set up a mini-court with cones or a low net (rope tied between chairs works). Play 2v2 or 3v3 games using a beach ball or light volleyball. Let them serve underhand and encourage cheering for each other. Focus on fun and teamwork.
🧊 Wrap Up (5 min)
- High-Five Circle — Gather the kids in a circle and ask, "What's one thing you had fun doing today?" Follow with high-fives all around. Keep it light and positive.
🎒 What to Bring
- 10 balloons · 2 beach balls · 1 light volleyball · 8 cones
- Set up a small court with cones or a rope for the mini volleyball game.
📋 Coach's Cheat Sheet
- "Hands together, eyes on the balloon!"
- "Use soft hands!"
- Common mistake: Kids may want to catch the ball — gently remind them to use their hands like paddles.
- Praise loudly when you see them encouraging each other or trying something new.
✅ Coach Coach Check
- Every kid gets touches in every drill
- No standing in long lines
- At least one small-sided game
- Age-appropriate intensity and lots of fun
Coach your best practice tonight
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Build your volleyball planVolleyball practice questions
What should a volleyball practice for 5–6 year olds look like?
At 5 and 6, practice is really structured play. Attention spans are short — think 5-to-8-minute activities, constant movement, and zero standing in line. Every kid needs their own ball (or their own turn) because sharing and waiting is where you lose them. Skip the tactics entirely; the win is that they had fun, touched the ball a hundred times, and want to come back next week.
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.