Skills & Drills

Just getting into volleyball or been around for a while but looking to revisit some fundamentals, refine your skills or take them to the next level? Join us for PCV’s Skills and Drills Program led by James Battiston, former professional volleyball player and member of the Canadian Beach National Team. James has coached for several years with the Mavericks Volleyball Club as well as 15+ years at Madawaska Volleyball Camp. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expert guidance that players of all levels from beginner to competitive can benefit from.

2024-25 Indoor Season

• Time: 6PM -8PM.

• Where: École Secondaire Franco-Cité (623 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1G 1N7)

• Cost: $25 per session

• Registration: Winter sessions open November 23rd at 8pm, closes at noon on the day of

• Sessions:

  • January 12: Fundamentals

  • January 26: Playing Middle

  • February 9: Attacking 

  • February 23: Defense/Blocking

  • March 9: Info coming soon!

  • March 23: Info coming soon!

  • April 6: Info coming soon!

  • April 13: Info coming soon!

Fundamentals  

For players at any level, this is an opportunity to develop your skills whether you’re newer to the game or have been playing for years and looking to refine your technique.  

We will touch on each of the main aspects of volleyball: Passing (overhead and underhand), attacking, serving, defense (front and back row). Drills will aim to maximize the number of contacts for each athlete. We will also play small games to stress and grow skills with in-the-moment feedback.  

Reception  

When it comes to reception, the outcome of a play is often dictated by the quality of the first pass. This session will focus solely on the first contact, whether overheard using hands, or underhand using forearms. We will walk through techniques and when to apply them. We will also look at reception forms and strategies to help maximize the success of your team’s first contact.  

Setting

This will include hand contact, movement to the ball, set location, and strategy of set variance to increase the probability of a side out. Small game situation drills may also be implemented based on the group's skill level. 

Attacking

This will include work on arm swing, approach, hand contact and timing of attack as well as attacks from all positions on the court (front and back row).  Small game situation drills may also be implemented based on the group's skill level. 

Defense/Blocking  

In this session, we will focus on blocking and back row defense. For blocking we will cover reading where the ball is being set to, moving to the ball efficiently and with the best footwork to produce a stronger block jump, blocking position and hand placement. For backrow defense, we look at starting position (on the court as well as body posture), seeing/reading the attacker, arm placement and movement. Strategy and placement of defenders will also be covered before full court drills are introduced when groups are combined.

Playing Middle

In this session, we will focus on developing the skills and responsibilities of the middle position. Players will work on key aspects such as quick transitions from offense to defense, effective blocking techniques, and timing for attacking in the middle. We'll emphasize the importance of reading the setter, reacting quickly to tips and off-speed attacks, and improving the speed of the middle hitter’s approach. Drills will incorporate both offensive and defensive scenarios, including fast-paced setter-middle connections and positioning for blocking against the opponent's attackers. By the end of the session, players will have a stronger understanding of their role and be more confident in executing the skills essential for success in the middle position.

We pride ourselves in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and welcome to step onto the court and participate. Every single player and volunteer shares responsibility in making this a reality. To help maintain this standard, all participants must abide by PCV’s Code of Conduct and Policy on Safe Sport.

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