How to Serve a Volleyball - Volleyball.com.ng

Knowing how to serve a volleyball is one of the skills that will make you an outstanding player. Serving is one of the most important skills in volleyball.

A strong serve can set the tone for a rally, put pressure on the opponent, and even win points outright. But the truth is… serving can also be super hard to master! For a beginner, you might even end up hitting the net or going out of bounds as a result of trying to serve.

So, what’s the secret to serving like a pro? Is it all about power? Is it all about technique? Actually, it’s a little bit of both! And I’m excited to share the secrets with you in this article.

What Is a Volleyball Serve?

A serve in volleyball is the action used to start a rally. The serving player strikes the ball from behind the end line to send it over the net into the opponent’s court. The goal is to make the serve difficult for the opposing team to return.

Read more: How Long Are Volleyball Games?

Types of Volleyball Serves

Different types of serves are used depending on the player’s skill level and strategy. Below is an overview:

Type of Serve	Difficulty	Key Features	Best Use
Underhand Serve	Easy	Low power, high accuracy	Beginner-level games
Overhand Serve	Moderate	More power and control	Intermediate to advanced levels
Float Serve	Moderate	Unpredictable trajectory, minimal spin	Disrupting the opponent’s passing rhythm
Jump Serve	Difficult	High power, topspin, aggressive	Advanced players, scoring points
Jump Float Serve	Difficult	Combines power and unpredictable movement	High-level competitive play

How to Serve a Volleyball: Step by Step Guide

Step 1. Start with the Right Stance

Your stance sets the foundation for a successful serve.

Key Points:

Stand behind the end line with your feet shoulder-width apart.
For a right-handed player, place your left foot slightly ahead of your right foot (reverse for left-handers).
Keep your knees slightly bent for better balance.

Step 2. Hold the Ball Correctly

The way you hold the ball depends on the type of serve you’re performing.

For Underhand Serve:

Hold the ball at waist level with your non-dominant hand.
Keep your grip firm but relaxed.

For Overhand Serve:

Hold the ball at shoulder level with your non-dominant hand.
Position the ball slightly in front of your hitting arm.

Step 3. Aim and Focus

Pick a target on the opponent’s court (e.g., a weaker passer or a specific zone).
Maintain eye contact with the ball as you prepare to serve.

Step 4. Perform the Serve

For Underhand Serve:

Swing your dominant arm back.
Step forward with your front foot as you swing your arm forward.
Hit the ball with the flat part of your fist.

For Overhand Serve

Toss the ball into the air with your non-dominant hand (about 1–2 feet high).
Step forward with your opposite foot.
Swing your hitting arm forward and strike the ball with the heel of your hand.

For Float Serve

Toss the ball slightly higher and in front of your body.
Strike the ball with a flat, firm hand to create minimal spin.

For Jump Serve

Use a 3-step or 4-step approach to build momentum.
Toss the ball high and in front of you.
Jump explosively and strike the ball with power and topspin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Serving

Inconsistent Toss

A poor toss leads to an inaccurate or weak serve. To avoid this, practice tossing the ball to the same height and position every time.

Crossing the End Line

Always ensure you serve from behind the end line; crossing it results in a fault.

Incorrect Contact

Hitting the ball with your fingers or the wrong part of your hand reduces power and accuracy.

Lack of Focus

Not aiming or rushing the serve can lead to errors. Take a moment to compose yourself before serving.

Read more: Volleyball Violations and Mistakes

Drills to Improve Your Volleyball Serve

Wall Serving Drill

Stand a few feet away from a wall and practice your serves.
Focus on hitting the same spot on the wall repeatedly.

Target Practice

Place cones or markers on the opposite side of the court.
Aim your serves to land as close to the targets as possible.

Toss and Catch Drill

Practice your toss without hitting the ball.
Ensure the toss is consistent and in the correct position.

Comparing Underhand and Overhand Serves

Aspect	Underhand Serve	Overhand Serve
Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly	Moderate to advanced
Power	Low	Moderate to high
Accuracy	High	Moderate
Best For	Beginners and casual players	Competitive and advanced players

Read more:

Tips to Serve like a Pro

Warm Up: Loosen your arm and shoulder muscles before serving to prevent injury.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to mastering any type of serve.
Analyze Your Opponent: Serve to weaker passers or open areas on the court.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Focus on your technique, not the scoreboard.

How to Serve Under Pressure

Serving under pressure can be challenging, especially in competitive matches. Below are a few tips to help you serve better even under pressure:

Take a Deep Breath: Calm your nerves before stepping up to serve.
Stick to What You Know: Avoid trying a difficult serve you haven’t mastered yet.
Visualize Success: Picture the ball landing exactly where you want it to.

FAQs About Serving in Volleyball

What is the easiest serve to learn?

The underhand serve is the easiest to learn due to its simplicity and low power requirements. It’s ideal for beginners.

How can I make my serve more powerful?

To increase your serve power, focus on your arm swing speed, engage your core and legs during the serve, and practice consistently to build muscle memory.

What is the difference between a float serve and a jump serve?

A float serve creates an unpredictable trajectory, making it difficult for opponents to pass, while a jump serve combines power and topspin, making it aggressive and hard to return.

Can I serve with a closed fist?

Yes, but it’s typically used only for underhand serves. For overhand serves, an open hand provides better control and accuracy.

How high should I toss the ball for an overhand serve?

The ball should be tossed 1–2 feet above your head—high enough to allow a full arm swing but not so high that you lose control.

Conclusion

Serving is one of the most important and impactful skills in volleyball. To serve like a pro, you have to consistently practice and focus on developing and testing new skills and strategies.