How to Serve in Volleyball: Tips for Starters

How to Serve in Volleyball: Tips for Starters

Serving is an integral part of volleyball, and a crucial skill for beginners to master. It is a simple technique, but not one that can be mastered overnight. It is important to practice regularly and keep in mind these helpful tips for becoming an expert server.

What Is Serving in Volleyball?

Serving is the act of putting the ball into play by propelling it across the net to the opposing team. Generally, the best servers are able to put the ball in a place where the other team isn’t able to return it.

Types of Volleyball Serves

There are two main serve types in volleyball: the overhand serve and the underhand serve. The overhand serve is more common and is used to generate power and speed. The underhand serve is slower, but more accurate and less likely to be returned.

Basic Volleyball Serve Tutorial

To serve correctly, beginners should keep the following steps in mind:

1. Start by standing behind the baseline, facing the net.
2. Toss the ball in the air in front of you and slightly higher than your head.
3. Make a forward movement with your arm and hit the ball with your dominant hand.
4. Hit the ball with an open hand and keep your arm straight.
5. Follow through with your arm in the direction of where you want the ball to go.

Serving Drills to Improve Volleyball Serve

There are a variety of drills that can help beginners to practice and improve their serving technique.

Toss and Catch Drill

This drill focuses on arm movement and accuracy. Start by having someone toss the ball to the server. The server should use an overhand serve to send the ball back. The goal of this drill is to practice hitting the ball in the same spot, with the same amount of power, each time.

Serve and Return Drill

This drill focuses on accuracy and power. Have the server serve the ball to a designated spot on the other side of the court. The server should practice sending the ball to that spot with each serve. The other players should then return the ball to the server, and the server should practice sending the ball back to the designated spot.

Group Drill

This drill focuses on speed and accuracy. Have the server serve to any of the other players. The other players should practice sending the ball back to the server, and the server should practice sending it back to the other players.

Volleyball Serve FAQs

What is the most important aspect of serving in volleyball?

The most important aspect of serving in volleyball is accuracy. The best servers are able to put the ball in a place where the other team isn’t able to return it.

What is the difference between an overhand and an underhand serve?

The overhand serve is more common and is used to generate power and speed. The underhand serve is slower, but more accurate and less likely to be returned.

How can I practice my volleyball serve?

There are a variety of drills that can help beginners to practice their serving technique. Toss and Catch Drill, Serve and Return Drill, and Group Drill are some of the most common drills used to practice serving.

Serving in volleyball is an important skill to master for any beginner. With practice and dedication, mastering the basics of serving can help players improve their game and become better overall players. Hopefully these tips have been helpful in getting you started on your volleyball serving journey.