Developing Elite Serve & Pass Skills: Fundamentals, Feedback & Game Ready Training

with Jenny Glenn;
American University Head Coach;
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Head Coach (2015-2026);
2025 NCAA Division II National Champions;
2025 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Regular Season Champions;
2025 RMAC Tournament Champions (6th consecutive);
3x AVCA South Region Coach of the Year (2016, 2021, 2025);
4x RMAC Coach of the Year (2016, 2021, 2022, 2023);
Northern Colorado Associate Head Coach (2012-2015);
Northern Colorado Assistant Coach (2006-2012);
USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team Assistant Coach (2014)

Serving and passing are the foundation of successful volleyball, and the teams that consistently win these battles put themselves in position to control matches. In this detailed presentation, 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship coach Jenny Glenn shares practical strategies, technical instruction, and competitive training methods designed to improve two of the most important skills in the game.

Coach Glenn begins with a comprehensive look at serving philosophy and how coaches can develop athletes who serve aggressively while maintaining consistency. You will learn how to build serving skills through daily progressions that emphasize proper hand contact, consistent ball lift, and repeatable mechanics.

Detailed instruction is provided on creating a reliable contact point, generating an effective float serve, and establishing serving habits that transfer directly into competition. Glenn explains how athletes can improve both the quality and consistency of their serves through focused repetition and purposeful training.

A major emphasis is placed on the relationship between serving speed, float, and location. Coaches will learn how to help athletes understand serving priorities and make intentional decisions that create challenges for opposing offenses. Specific serving tactics include serving deep, serving short, attacking seams, serving down the line, and targeting areas that disrupt offensive flow and setter positioning.

In addition to serving fundamentals, Glenn provides valuable insight into delivering meaningful feedback during training sessions. Rather than simply identifying mistakes, coaches will learn how to communicate corrections effectively and reinforce habits that lead to long-term serving success.

The second half of the video focuses on passing philosophy and the technical fundamentals required to become a more effective serve receiver. Glenn breaks down platform position, movement patterns, body control, and the footwork necessary to improve passing consistency.

Special attention is given to lateral movement, forward movement, and techniques that help athletes position themselves behind the ball more effectively. Coaches will also learn how to train athletes to recognize servers, anticipate ball flight, and process information more quickly during serve receive situations.

Several competitive drills are demonstrated to help transfer these concepts into game situations. Featured drills include Servers vs. Passers, the Tsunami Drill and its 6-on-6 progression, and the Activation Drill. Each activity creates game-like repetitions while challenging athletes to execute skills under pressure, communicate effectively, and compete with purpose.

Throughout the presentation, Coach Glenn emphasizes the importance of first contact and how improved serving and passing can elevate every aspect of team performance. The combination of technical instruction, coaching cues, and competitive training creates a complete framework for developing stronger, more confident athletes.

Whether your goal is improving serve consistency, increasing passing efficiency, or building a stronger overall philosophy for first contact, this presentation provides practical instruction and proven drills that can immediately strengthen your team's serve and pass performance.

52 minutes. 2026.