Before you even start learning to pass and set in beach volleyball, there is one thing you need to understand: the distance between yourself and the ball. It sounds simple, but it is a fundamental skill for every player, from total beginners to pros.

To pass or set well, you need to know how much space to keep between you and the ball, and how many steps you need to reach it before you receive, pass or set. Your eyes are what make this possible, and like any other skill, they need training.

With simple drills you learn to:

• judge distance: how much space you need between yourself and the ball;
• judge height: how high the ball should go so you have time to get under it;
• follow the ball with your eyes at all times: during drills, actions and real games.

In the video below you will find three easy drills. They go step by step, from the simplest one to the one that prepares you for setting.

Toss the ball over the net and catch it on the other side. Watch the ball the whole time and move so that you catch it comfortably in front of you, not too close and not too far.

Toss the ball, follow it with your eyes, move to the right spot and then pass it. This drill connects reading the ball with the first touch.

Toss the ball high in front of you, run to it and finish with ball control. This drill prepares you for the next step: setting.

There are many variations of these drills that coaches can use with their students: change the height of the toss, the distance, or add movement before the catch or pass. The goal is always the same: to train your eyes to understand distance and height better before passing and setting.

Let us know in the comments below! And if you want to train with our coaches on the sand, check our upcoming beach volleyball camps.