Home/Volleyball/Balloon Toss and Catch Drill
Ball ControlFundamentals

Balloon Toss and Catch Drill

Before introducing any hitting motion, the youngest players simply toss and catch a balloon to build hand-eye coordination and comfort tracking something in the air.

Age RangeAges 6+
Duration6–8 minutes
Group SizePairs
SportVolleyball

Equipment Needed

  • One balloon per pair

Build out your practice kit

This one just needs a balloon and a partner, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.

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Setup

  • Partners stand a few feet apart, one balloon per pair.
  • No net or ball needed — works in any small open space.
Balloon Toss and Catch DrillABPartners a few feet apart, one balloonTwo-hand catch; track the longest streak without dropping it

Instructions

  1. Partner A gently tosses the balloon underhand to Partner B.
  2. Partner B tracks it and catches it with two hands.
  3. Toss back and forth, taking a step back after every 5 clean catches.
  4. Count the pair's longest streak without dropping the balloon.
Coaching Points
  • Hands up and ready before the toss arrives, not reaching late.
  • Move the feet to get under the balloon rather than only stretching the arms.
  • Keep it playful — the goal is comfort and confidence with something moving through the air.
  • A great indoor, low-pressure starting point before any real volleyball skills are introduced.

Variation

Progress to underhand-only volleys (no catching) once comfort is high, or have pairs try to keep the balloon up using alternating hits.

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