Passing might be the most important skill in beach volleyball. A good pass gives your partner time to set, sets up a strong attack and keeps the rally alive. With only two players per side, there’s no one to cover for a shaky first touch. Whether your player is just learning or getting ready for tougher competition, steady passing practice makes a huge difference.

At MBsand Volleyball Club, we help young athletes build their skills, grow their confidence and keep improving with regular practice. Good volleyball passing drills are the perfect place to start for players who want better ball control and to become the partner everyone wants on their side.

In this guide, we’ll share our favorite passing drills, break down proper technique and give tips to help your player pass better on the sand.

What Are Volleyball Passing Drills?

Volleyball passing drills are exercises that help players receive the ball and send it right to their partner. They build coordination, balance, footwork, timing and accuracy.

Passing matters most on serve receive (taking the other team’s serve) and on defense. A clean first touch gives your partner a much better chance to set the ball and set up the attack.

Good drills start with easy, predictable tosses. As players improve, we add movement, balls to different spots and live serves. Building up slowly lets players lock in good technique before things get harder.

5 Effective Volleyball Passing Drills to Practice

The best passing drills give players lots of chances to make clean contact while learning to control direction and height. Here are five that work for every level.

1. Partner Passing Drill

Partner passing is the simplest way to build a strong base.

How to practice:

1. Two players stand a comfortable distance apart.
2. One player gently tosses the ball to the other.
3. The receiver uses a forearm pass (a bump off the forearms) to send it back.
4. Repeat several times, then switch.

Focus on control and accuracy, not hitting the ball hard. As players get more consistent, move farther apart or toss a little to either side.

This one is especially great for beginners learning to control the ball with their forearms.

2. Wall Passing Drill

Wall passing lets players practice on their own, as long as they have a good wall and plenty of safe space.

How to practice:

1. Stand several feet from the wall.
2. Forearm pass the ball against it.
3. Get ready for the rebound and pass again.
4. Count how many controlled passes you can make in a row, and try to beat your record.

Start slow and focus on consistency. Move closer or farther from the wall as your control improves.

This drill reinforces hand position, a steady platform (the flat surface your forearms make) and coordination.

3. Target Passing Drill

Getting the ball up is only half the job. It also has to go to the right spot. Target passing teaches players where their pass should land.

How to practice:

1. A partner or coach stands in a target area.
2. Another player tosses the ball to the passer.
3. Pass the ball to the target.
4. Repeat from different spots and angles.

The target is where your partner would set from. Focus on sending a controlled pass there, not just keeping the ball in the air.

4. Shuffle and Pass Drill

On the beach, you have to get your feet to the ball, and moving in deep sand takes effort. This drill combines footwork and ball control.

How to practice:

1. Start in a balanced, athletic ready stance.
2. A partner tosses the ball a little to your left or right.
3. Shuffle your feet to the ball with short steps.
4. Get balanced and pass to the target.
5. Repeat on both sides.

Don’t reach for the ball with your arms while your body is out of position. Moving your feet first keeps you balanced and in control.

5. Moving Target Passing Drill

Once players are comfortable passing from one spot, add movement and decisions.

A partner or coach sends balls to different areas of the sand. The player moves into position and passes to a target. Start with easy tosses, then make them harder.

This drill teaches players to read the ball, move efficiently and stay in control when things change, just like a real rally in the wind.

Volleyball Passing Drills for Beginners: Master the Basics

For new players, volleyball passing drills for beginners should focus on good technique before speed or difficulty.

The forearm pass, often called a bump, is the main way to take serves and handle low balls. Building good habits early makes everything else easier later.

Here’s what beginners should remember:

• Start in a ready stance: Feet comfortably apart, knees slightly bent, weight balanced.
• Make a steady platform: Bring your hands together and keep your forearms level.
• Contact the ball correctly: Hit it on your forearms, just above the wrists.
• Move your feet: Get your body behind the ball instead of reaching at the last second.
• Aim with your angle: Point your platform toward where you want the ball to go.
• Use your legs: Stay balanced and use a smooth push from your legs instead of swinging your arms hard.

Beginners should start with soft tosses and short rounds. Once they can pass to a partner consistently, add movement and real serve-receive practice. That first pass that lands right on target feels amazing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Passing Volleyball Drills

When players run passing drills, a few habits can make accurate passing harder. Spotting them early helps players improve faster.

Swinging the arms too much: Big arm swings make the ball hard to control. Keep a steady platform and let your body do the work.

Standing too tall: A balanced, slightly lower stance makes it easier to react and move to the ball.

Moving too late: Read the ball early and use your feet to get into position, especially in soft sand.

Letting the ball get too close: Contact the ball out in front, where you can control your platform angle.

Ignoring the target: Passing isn’t just about keeping the ball off the sand. Send it where your partner can make the next play.

Our coaches help players spot which habit is holding them back and pick the right drills to fix it.

How Often Should You Practice Volleyball Passing?

Steady practice beats trying to master everything in one session. Young players can work short passing drills into their regular training, adjusting the time and difficulty to their level.

A simple routine might include partner passing, target passing, movement drills and a short game to put it all together.

As skills grow, players can move from soft tosses to harder balls and real serve receive. Quality reps, good feedback and enough rest keep practice productive.

Improve Your Volleyball Skills with MBsand

Reliable passing takes time, patience and lots of reps. The right training environment helps young players build their fundamentals, improve coordination and feel confident playing with a partner.

We train boys and girls ages 10–17 at Manhattan Beach, Long Beach and Huntington Beach, with players grouped by skill level so every practice fits. Whether your player is brand new or polishing their game, steady practice builds a stronger base. Practices are pay as you go: a $65 drop-in, a 10-practice pack for $575 or monthly autopay at $359 for 8 practices.

Ready to get started? Schedule a Practice at https://mbsand.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best volleyball passing drills for beginners?

Partner passing with soft tosses is a great place to start. It helps beginners practice forearm contact, balance and ball control before moving on to target and movement drills.

How can I improve my volleyball passing accuracy?

Stay balanced, move your feet into position, keep your forearms steady and point your platform at the target. Lots of reps and good feedback make a big difference.

Can I practice volleyball passing drills alone?

Yes. Wall passing and controlled self-passing are great solo drills. Just make sure you have enough safe space.

Why are passing drills important in volleyball?

Passing controls the first touch and sets up the next play. On the beach, with just two players, a good pass gives your partner the best chance to set up an attack and win the rally.

How long should I practice volleyball passing?

It depends on your age, experience and schedule. Start with short sessions and focus on correct technique over the number of reps.

Where can young athletes find volleyball training opportunities?

Compare local clubs by location, coaching and schedules. We offer youth beach volleyball at Manhattan Beach, Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Learn more at MBsand.com.