Learning how to serve (correctly) is crucial to a squad's success, and a young player's confidence as well.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to execute a proper serve and maximize your performance on the court.
Serve Positioning
Right-handed players stand with left foot slightly ahead of right and hold the ball in the left hand. The left arm is extended at a ninety-degree angle and at shoulder height (left-handed players are exactly opposite as this).
Volleyball Serve Checklist
Follow this process:
- Turn palm to the ceiling and hold ball so you can see it and the court at the same time.
- Toss the ball about 18 inches high.
- Elbow and hand are at shoulder height or above throughout the motion.
- Keep hands locked at the wrist.
- Shift weight to lead foot (or step forward) as you make contact with the ball.
- Keep wrist firm through the serve.
- Contact ball with meat part of hand (lower palm) and contact is a brief punch or jab.
Serve Follow-Through
The hand follows through the serve to target and finishes along side or within bodyline. The correct alignment is hitting: shoulder-ball-target.
In other words, keep the ball in between your hitting shoulder and the target you are aiming at.
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