Improve Your Volleyball Stamina: A Week-Long Training Guide

Matt NikishinMatt Nikishin
4 min read

It’s not just you—volleyball is one of the most physically intense sports around. Fast rallies. Explosive jumping. Quick recovery. You’re diving one second and shuffling the next.

And yet... many players rely on nothing but drills and scrimmages to stay in shape. That’s not enough.

If you feel dead after one set, you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: skill means nothing if your body’s too tired to use it.


The Difference Between Players and Athletes

A lot of volleyball players train like... volleyball players. And that’s a problem.

Real athletes train their:

  • Cardiovascular system

  • Muscular endurance

  • Explosive power

  • Recovery speed

If you want to last longer and play stronger, you need to train like an athlete, not just a player.


The Need for a Specific Stamina Plan

Jogging a mile doesn’t prepare you for 5-set matches.

Volleyball requires:

  • Quick bursts (sprints)

  • Explosive moves (jumps, dives)

  • Recovery under stress

  • Mental clarity even when tired

You need a program designed for those exact conditions.


Overview: The 7-Day Volleyball Stamina Plan

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This isn’t random workouts—it’s a full system built to improve stamina without burning you out.

DayFocus
Day 1Sprint & Core Power
Day 2Long-Burn Cardio
Day 3HIIT for Endurance
Day 4Recovery Swim/Active Mobility
Day 5Strength & Agility
Day 6Game Simulation Training
Day 7Full Reset & Bodywork

Day 1 – Sprint & Core Power

  • 6 x 30m sprints

  • 4 rounds of: planks, Russian twists, V-ups

  • Focus: quick recovery between bursts + strong midline control


Day 2 – Long-Burn Cardio Day

  • 30–40 minutes steady cardio (jog, bike, jump rope)

  • Focus: build your engine without stress

  • Tip: Stay at 65–75% effort—not full speed


Day 3 – HIIT for Explosive Endurance

  • 20 seconds max effort, 40 seconds rest x 8 rounds (shuffles, jumps, skaters)

  • Repeat circuit 3x

  • Focus: pushing threshold under short recovery windows


Day 4 – Recovery Swim or Active Recovery

  • Swim laps or walk in water

  • Foam rolling, hip mobility, light stretching

  • Goal: reduce soreness, restore bounce


Day 5 – Strength & Agility Combo

  • Lower-body lifts (squats, deadlifts)

  • Footwork ladder drills

  • Box jumps or depth jumps

  • Focus: muscle + reaction


Day 6 – Game Simulation Training

  • 4-6 rally drills (serve, receive, transition, hit)

  • 60-second bursts with 30 seconds rest

  • Mimic real game movement and transitions


Day 7 – Full Reset & Bodywork

  • Light yoga or full-body stretching

  • Deep breathing exercises

  • Hydrate, rest, and reflect

Results You Can Expect

  • You’ll last longer in matches without feeling fried.

  • Fewer mistakes as fatigue sets in.

  • You’ll recover faster between rallies and games.

  • Coaches notice when you're the last one still moving well in the 5th set.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will this plan make me sore every day?

Nope. It’s designed with recovery in mind. Only Day 5 might bring muscle fatigue.

2. Can I do this during season?

Yes, with adjustments. Cut back volume, but keep Day 4 and Day 6 routines.

3. Do I need a gym for this?

Only for Day 5 (strength day). The rest can be done with basic equipment.

4. I already do practice—why do I need this?

Practice builds skill. This builds the body that can handle practice and matches without burning out.

5. Will it help my vertical?

Yes. Better stamina = better approach = better jumps late in games.

6. Can I combine it with weight training?

Absolutely. Just balance intensity across your week.


Conclusion + Action Plan

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Don’t wait until you’re exhausted mid-match to realize you need more stamina.

Start now:

  • Follow this 7-day plan for 2 weeks.

  • Track how you feel after every set.

  • Adjust based on your schedule and body feedback.

Train your stamina, transform your game.


Want Personal Feedback on Your Conditioning?

Looking to improve your skills and stamina?
Visit tryrewind.co to connect with a coach who’ll guide you, give feedback that actually helps, and support your growth—whenever you’re ready, on your schedule.

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Written by

Matt Nikishin
Matt Nikishin