The Overhead SERVE.
Probably the most important skill in volleyball is the SERVE. It starts every game and every player needs to perform this skill. The serve is the only time during the match that one can actually hold and control the ball.
Especially in youth volleyball, the serve needs to be broken down and kept as simple as possible. If you are learning the technique for the overhead serve, I will break down the step that I use each and every time I go to serve.
As I mentioned, this is the only skill that you are in full control of each time you go back to serve. You have 8 full seconds to concentrate on this skill. Those 8 seconds should be a routine and done the same way each time you go back to serve.
When I played it didn't matter in what country I was in, what gym I played in or how many people were watching me, I did the same routine every single time I went back to serve. I was known for being a very consistent, reliable server. In my own mind, I knew I was a "great" server and in my thoughts I let the other team know that my mission was to get an ace - every time!!!
So I am going to break down in as much detail to help you become an AWESOME server as well!!
Eventually I will put in my own photos & videos....
diane
Especially in youth volleyball, the serve needs to be broken down and kept as simple as possible. If you are learning the technique for the overhead serve, I will break down the step that I use each and every time I go to serve.
As I mentioned, this is the only skill that you are in full control of each time you go back to serve. You have 8 full seconds to concentrate on this skill. Those 8 seconds should be a routine and done the same way each time you go back to serve.
When I played it didn't matter in what country I was in, what gym I played in or how many people were watching me, I did the same routine every single time I went back to serve. I was known for being a very consistent, reliable server. In my own mind, I knew I was a "great" server and in my thoughts I let the other team know that my mission was to get an ace - every time!!!
So I am going to break down in as much detail to help you become an AWESOME server as well!!
Eventually I will put in my own photos & videos....
diane
1. Mental Focus
1. Breathe.
As the play finishes and it is your turn to serve, take a few deep breaths as you walk back to the line, receive the ball and prepare for your serve. This will calm down your body and turn your focus to the serve.
2. Mental Preparation.
Since this is the only time that you can actually hold the ball, I always place the ball in the same position in my hand. Depending on the ball, I put the valve down (in the palm of my hand) and I always have the "ball name" (eg. Mikasa) facing me.
Some players like to bounce the ball or some other pre-routine, I like to keep the game simple.
3. Mind Talk.
In my thoughts, I am an ACE server every time. In following the coaches game plan, I let the opposing player know that I am serving right to them. You know how you feel when you know the ball is being served to you---a little nervous hoping you don't get aced.. So now that you are the server, YOU have the advantage and the control of where the serve is going with the thought of "I am going to ace you!!"
4. Execution.
Breathe deep again and serve the ball as you have done many times in practice and in your mind's eye.
As the play finishes and it is your turn to serve, take a few deep breaths as you walk back to the line, receive the ball and prepare for your serve. This will calm down your body and turn your focus to the serve.
2. Mental Preparation.
Since this is the only time that you can actually hold the ball, I always place the ball in the same position in my hand. Depending on the ball, I put the valve down (in the palm of my hand) and I always have the "ball name" (eg. Mikasa) facing me.
Some players like to bounce the ball or some other pre-routine, I like to keep the game simple.
3. Mind Talk.
In my thoughts, I am an ACE server every time. In following the coaches game plan, I let the opposing player know that I am serving right to them. You know how you feel when you know the ball is being served to you---a little nervous hoping you don't get aced.. So now that you are the server, YOU have the advantage and the control of where the serve is going with the thought of "I am going to ace you!!"
4. Execution.
Breathe deep again and serve the ball as you have done many times in practice and in your mind's eye.
2. Body Position
This is for right-handed servers, lefties please do in reverse.
1. The Stance
The left foot is in front of the right with your weight shifted to the back right foot.
Your right hip is twisted a few inches around to the back (this will give you torque and power).
As you toss the ball, you take a small step with your left foot as your momentum shifts from back to front, along with your waist generating power.
Your right toe will naturally drag along the floor as your balance shifts but should not end up in front of your left foot.
1. The Stance
The left foot is in front of the right with your weight shifted to the back right foot.
Your right hip is twisted a few inches around to the back (this will give you torque and power).
As you toss the ball, you take a small step with your left foot as your momentum shifts from back to front, along with your waist generating power.
Your right toe will naturally drag along the floor as your balance shifts but should not end up in front of your left foot.
3. Left Hand Ball Position
1. Left Hand
With the ball in the left hand (as in the mental focus preparation), for me valve down and name facing me.
MOVE YOUR LEFT HAND so that it is in FRONT of your RIGHT SHOULDER.
Your left arm should be bent as in the photo to the left.
TOSS PRACTICE:
At home you can practice this next VERY IMPORTANT element which is the key to serving consistency.
TOSS the ball the SAME HEIGHT every time about 8- 15". Find out height most comfortable for you and practice it.
TOSS the ball STRAIGHT UP with little or no spin.
To help with your LOCATION, mark an X or a marker on the floor in front of your right shoulder and just to the right of your left foot.
The ball should LAND in the same spot every time.
Make a commitment to do 100 tosses everyday for consistency.
This will lead to consistent toss in height and proper location for contact.
Also mimic serving without actual contact so that your BODY gets used to the motion as well.
This will become natural for you and you do not have to guess where the ball is going to be placed for your serve.
Think of this as "teeing up for a golf swing" or shooting a basketball free throw.
With the ball in the left hand (as in the mental focus preparation), for me valve down and name facing me.
MOVE YOUR LEFT HAND so that it is in FRONT of your RIGHT SHOULDER.
Your left arm should be bent as in the photo to the left.
TOSS PRACTICE:
At home you can practice this next VERY IMPORTANT element which is the key to serving consistency.
TOSS the ball the SAME HEIGHT every time about 8- 15". Find out height most comfortable for you and practice it.
TOSS the ball STRAIGHT UP with little or no spin.
To help with your LOCATION, mark an X or a marker on the floor in front of your right shoulder and just to the right of your left foot.
The ball should LAND in the same spot every time.
Make a commitment to do 100 tosses everyday for consistency.
This will lead to consistent toss in height and proper location for contact.
Also mimic serving without actual contact so that your BODY gets used to the motion as well.
This will become natural for you and you do not have to guess where the ball is going to be placed for your serve.
Think of this as "teeing up for a golf swing" or shooting a basketball free throw.
Right Hand Hitting Position
1. Arm Position.
Your right elbow will be 2-3 inches higher than your shoulder.
Your whole arm will be pulled back as far as comfortable.
Here you should feel muscles tense from upper back, to right shoulder, to right bicep, to right forearm to your hand.
PRACTICE: - Push-ups for stronger arms to add upper body strength and force to the ball in order for it to get over the net.
2. Hand Position
Please note my hand position in the very top picture. Disregard the hand of the photo to the right.
As you bring your arm to position, your HAND should form a slight cup.
Thumb is tucked in, fingers strong and together and your wrist is straight. WHOLE FOREARM - to FINGER TIPS IS SOLID like a baseball bat or the ball will not get over the net.
3. Contact of ball
With your hand being TIGHT & RIGID, contact is made at the base of your palm just above the wrist.
PRACTICE against your hand a consistent contact point which should be through the center line of the ball.
4. Putting it all together.
When you are mentally ready to serve:
- toss the ball with your left hand in front of your right shoulder,
- push your arm forward with SPEED as you shift your weight from back to front
- make a solid contact with the ball and STOP your HAND and PULL back ( do not finish with your fingers forward). This action will give you a good FLOAT SERVE.
-celebrate the ACE with your teammates!!!
Serving is a great skill for your volleyball career. Once you have mastered consistent toss and hit, you can start to practice other forms of the serve, such as, short serve (within the 10 foot line), down the line, cross court, top spin, jump serve..
Enjoy this fun part of volleyball!!
Dream Big
diane
Your right elbow will be 2-3 inches higher than your shoulder.
Your whole arm will be pulled back as far as comfortable.
Here you should feel muscles tense from upper back, to right shoulder, to right bicep, to right forearm to your hand.
PRACTICE: - Push-ups for stronger arms to add upper body strength and force to the ball in order for it to get over the net.
2. Hand Position
Please note my hand position in the very top picture. Disregard the hand of the photo to the right.
As you bring your arm to position, your HAND should form a slight cup.
Thumb is tucked in, fingers strong and together and your wrist is straight. WHOLE FOREARM - to FINGER TIPS IS SOLID like a baseball bat or the ball will not get over the net.
3. Contact of ball
With your hand being TIGHT & RIGID, contact is made at the base of your palm just above the wrist.
PRACTICE against your hand a consistent contact point which should be through the center line of the ball.
4. Putting it all together.
When you are mentally ready to serve:
- toss the ball with your left hand in front of your right shoulder,
- push your arm forward with SPEED as you shift your weight from back to front
- make a solid contact with the ball and STOP your HAND and PULL back ( do not finish with your fingers forward). This action will give you a good FLOAT SERVE.
-celebrate the ACE with your teammates!!!
Serving is a great skill for your volleyball career. Once you have mastered consistent toss and hit, you can start to practice other forms of the serve, such as, short serve (within the 10 foot line), down the line, cross court, top spin, jump serve..
Enjoy this fun part of volleyball!!
Dream Big
diane
FLOAT SERVE
I have added a video to show how to serve a "floater". This is great for the young ones out there to see it in action.
In this video, they emphasize the
1. "TOSS" (see my notes above).
2."STANCE" - the weight shift
3. "CONTACT" - see my notes on how I recommend you have your contact point tight.
I have added a video to show how to serve a "floater". This is great for the young ones out there to see it in action.
In this video, they emphasize the
1. "TOSS" (see my notes above).
2."STANCE" - the weight shift
3. "CONTACT" - see my notes on how I recommend you have your contact point tight.
