Top 9 Dynamic Libero Drills & Workouts

When focusing on libero drills, there’s a limit to the time you can dedicate solely to passing the ball…

Spending the majority of your time on digging drills is crucial as it distinguishes the great liberos from the decent ones.

Here’s a compiled list of my nine favorite volleyball digging drills, ideal for liberos across skill levels, and they’re designed for practice without requiring an extensive number of teammates.

Making them particularly suitable for execution with only one or two additional participants.

So let’s start!

1. Wall Digging Drill

An incredibly efficient and straightforward drill is achievable with only two individuals and a wall.

The primary objective here is for the libero to maintain a low, ready position and swiftly react to incoming balls.

As the thrower stands behind, the digger anticipates the ball’s trajectory without precise knowledge, demanding readiness for any direction it might come from.

Key to this is initiating from a low stance, maintaining that position throughout the digging motion, and ensuring no upward motion upon contact with the ball.

Considered among the superior drills for enhancing reaction time.

To heighten the challenge for the libero, the thrower can increase the difficulty by throwing the ball harder or aiming it farther from the digger’s center during this drill.

2. Turn & Dig Digging Drill

Incredible reaction times and an unwavering determination to save every ball characterize great liberos.

To initiate this drill, begin facing a wall; upon the hitter’s ball slap, swiftly jump or spin around and assume your ready position.

The hitter’s action involves either delivering a hard spike directly at you or opting for a softer tip.

The primary task is to successfully dig every incoming shot, regardless of its speed or trajectory.

Here’s another incredibly simple drill that only requires one additional player to practice effectively.

While performing, the libero focuses on the hitter’s arm swing, aiming to detect tips early, all while maintaining a position conducive to comfortably digging a hard-driven spike.

3. Serving Machine Passing Drill

Employing a volleyball serving machine stands out as one of the most effective methods for practicing passing skills, particularly in high-level men’s volleyball where jump serving is prevalent.

Considered the most efficient method for drilling top spin serves in passing, this approach allows for a high volume of repetitions with ease.

In contexts like women’s volleyball or lower levels with fewer jump servers, prioritizing practice against float serves proves more valuable.

Regardless, every libero needs to include serving machine practice in their training regimen at some stage.

4. Knee Digging Drill

Commencing from a kneeling position while someone aggressively launches volleyballs at you demands rapid decision-making between digging and setting the ball.

Given the lower position, there’s a higher probability of resorting to setting, making it an excellent method to significantly strengthen your finger control and stability.

An integral aspect of digging involves beginning in the standard low-ready position and swiftly elevating your hands to set a ball directed toward your head or shoulder area.

An excellent drill designed to train the rapid transition between different playing styles.

5. Single Arm Digging Drill: Libero Drills

During the process of digging a hard-driven ball, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll manage to bring your arms together to form a solid platform most of the time.

The ability to dig using a single forearm is crucial and requires dedicated skill training.

6. Libero Diving Drill

Often positioned in area 5 as a libero, you’ll frequently anticipate defending a spike only to encounter a last-minute tip from the hitter.

The primary task entails launching forward swiftly to prevent the tip from hitting the ground, ensuring a successful defensive play.

One of my favorite drills, specifically designed to practice and simulate this exact scenario.

Initiate from the standard ready position, prompting a partner to randomly toss or drop balls in varying directions. They should be positioned far enough ahead to necessitate a dive for the dig.

Consider this drill challenging, especially for beginners who are likely to face significant difficulties.

Inexperienced volleyball players frequently prioritize avoiding dives, leading to challenges in executing a successful dig.

Emphasizing the primary objective is crucial in mastering this drill.

Direct all your effort toward getting under the ball and executing an accurate dig—concerns about diving or landing awkwardly should only arise after completing the task.

When observing Jenia Grebennikov, the world’s top libero, it’s evident that he seldom resorts to diving. Even when he does, it’s not always the graceful, fluid dive commonly associated with the sport.

Several defenders prioritize a stylish dive over the effectiveness of their dig, compromising the quality of their defensive play.

Steer clear of adopting that approach.

7. Bosu Ball Libero Drills

Incorporating a bosu ball into training stands as one of the most effective methods for enhancing balance and stability during digging and passing.

Achieving a 30-second to one-minute stand on an inverted bosu ball while performing passing and setting with volleyballs can significantly enhance success in handling challenging digs during gameplay.

The effectiveness of the bosu ball in balance drilling makes it a valuable piece of equipment for all volleyball players aiming to enhance their skills in this aspect.

8. Slow Motion Roll Practice Drill

The goal of this drill revolves around familiarizing athletes with hitting the floor, emphasizing a slow and controlled approach.

Through simulating a dig and gradually transitioning onto the court, followed by practicing either a dive or a roll-out, you’ll develop increased confidence in executing digs that lead to being on the ground.

From this position, executing a roll over your shoulder onto your back becomes a relatively simple maneuver.

Repetition and practice of various variations of this move lead to a smoother and more confident execution of digs during gameplay.

To enhance comfort during drills like these, consider investing in a pair of volleyball elbow pads.

9. Net Save Digging Drill

Being a libero entails covering the outside hitter, requiring proximity to the net to defend against blocks.

Occasionally, you’ll encounter situations where you need to dig a ball out of the net. This drill serves as an effective preparation for handling such scenarios.

My suggestion would be for the thrower to opt for forceful and wide tosses to the left and right of the digger instead of setting the ball. This way, you can practice retrieving more challenging balls.

Closing Advice

Simply by engaging in a few of these drills, significant improvements in your digging skills are guaranteed.

Keep in mind that the essence of becoming a world-class libero lies in your ability to outperform everyone else in digging the ball.

At the highest level, adept passing is a given for all liberos; the true value lies in mastering the skill of digging proficiently.

Frequent practice of these drills compared to your competition will swiftly establish you as one of the more sought-after liberos in your region.

I want to give a huge shout-out to Power Volleyball for their inspiring libero-digging compilations, which served as the inspiration behind this article.

Also Read: 7 Volleyball Passing Drills for Beginners [Guide 2024]