When ready, the server tosses the ball into the air between one to two feet above their head and then punches the ball with their palm. The basic overhand serve causes the ball float and gyrate over the net into the other court—almost like a knuckle ball in baseball.
When the ball goes over the net, it will dive downwards, allowing for either a point on the serve if you can find a hole in the defense or a tough dig for the opposing team. The most advanced and complex of the volleyball serving techniques is the jump serve which, if done right, can be a game winner but if done wrong, the serving team will pay the price.
The jump serve is similar to an overhead serve. The server throws the ball higher, about 15 to 20 feet in the air, and gets a running start behind the end line. This added momentum during the serve sends the ball over the net like a rocket, making it extremely difficult for the opposing team to return or set it up correctly. However, it is easier said than done.
Jump serving can be used to target defenseless pockets on the other side of the net, but because of the speed and power at which it is served, it can also be very difficult to gain consistent accuracy of the ball. Beginners should focus on targeting the opposite baseline, while more advanced servers can work to improve their power and accuracy.
Teams should strive for at least one person in their service rotation concentrating on jump serving, even just to mix things up for the opposing team. When it comes to serving up your teams gear and equipment, nothing beats SquadLocker! You can create your own volleyball team store, upload your logo and do this all on the comfort of your computer, laptop or smartphone. SquadLocker is the easy way to get your team outfitted and in the game! Create an account.
Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Method 1. Stagger your feet. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Place the foot opposite of your hitting hand in front of the other foot.
Your shoulders and hips should be aligned with the net. Make sure your knees are bent. It is extremely important that your weight is on your back foot. The power of the service isn't from upper body strength, but from the legs. A powerful serve is achieved by being able to transfer weight from the back foot to the front foot correctly. Getting a strong starting posture is pivotal to a strong serve. Hold the ball in front of you. Place your non-dominant hand directly in front of you, straight but with a flexible elbow.
The palm should be face up with the ball in it. Ready your hitting hand. Swing your serving arm back next to your head. Make sure that your elbow is pointing upwards and your hand is at or slightly above your ear.
This stance opens your body. Toss the ball into the air. Lift the ball with your palm about 18—36 inches 46—91 cm in the air. Keep the ball in line with your hitting shoulder and about 1 foot 0. Your right hand should be at a degree angle behind your body.
Remember that you want your dominant hand to make contact with the ball just after it changes direction and begins to drop back down. Don't toss the ball too high, too low, or too far to any side. This means you will have to chase the ball, resulting in a bad serve. Aim for your service with your body. The majority of the power of your service is gained from the legs as you transfer weight from your back leg to your front leg.
To transfer your weight properly, make sure your starting position is correct. Add momentum by stepping forward with your dominant foot as you serve, transferring the weight forward for a powerful serve. The ball will go where your hand and toes face, so aim your palm and toes for accurate shooting. Hit the ball with the heel of your dominant hand.
Lead with your elbow to bring your dominant hand forward. Smack the ball with the heel of your hand or the bottom of your palm. Make sure your serving hand is slanted slightly upward. This will help loft the ball over the net.
Aim for the middle of the ball to achieve the straightest trajectory of the ball. Stop the motion of your hand when you make contact with the ball. Watch the spin on the ball. This will show you if you're contacting the ball correctly. If you see the ball sidespin or backspin, then you know your contact was off-center. Swing fast at the ball from the shoulder. Get into position.
After striking the ball, use your momentum to run to your defensive position. Method 2. Set up your stance. Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart facing the net. Your dominant arm should be directly in front of you, palm up, with the ball in your palm. You should be at least 5—8 feet 1. Step forward with your dominant foot and keep the toss in line with your hitting shoulder.
As you step forward, throw the ball high into the air and slightly forward with your dominant hand. Flick your wrist when tossing the ball to create a spin on the ball. A consistent toss results in a consistent serve.
The toss influences every aspect of the service; a bad toss can ruin an otherwise good serve. Toss with your strong hand, keep the ball in front of you, and don't throw it too high or low. These things result in bad serves. Take three or four quick steps forward. This should go slow to fast so that your last two steps are much quicker and should look like they're happening at the same time. On your last step forward, launch yourself into a jump.
Use the momentum from the steps above to get higher in the air. If you're right-handed, your steps will be left-right-left. If left-handed, you'll be right-left-right. These last two steps are called a "step close" and are the most explosive part of your approach. Prepare your hitting arm. Both arms should swing back to generate power for the jump. To be a playable serve , the player serving the ball must:. There are different types of serves , each with its own benefits.
Some serves are easier to learn, some are used to target a specific area on the court, and some are harder to return. Therefore, mastering a good serve can be an offensive weapon. An underhand serve is usually the easiest to learn. Using this serve, beginning players often have better control over where the ball will land and thus are able to target specific areas of the court.
Additionally, an underhand is typically easier to return as well. To perform an underhand serve, the player:. Watch the instructional video below on how to perform an underhand serve.
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