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Serving volleyball

In volleyball, there are two types of serves. The overhand serve and the underhand serve. In short, the overhand serve is executed above the head and the underhand serve is often executed at hip level. With special volleyball serving drills, you can master both forms.

Underhand Serve Volleyball

With the underhand serve in volleyball, the ball is hit with the tensed hand. The ball is held at stomach level and served from this point. This is usually done with the fist. The ball is held about half a meter away from the body. The ball is lightly tossed and you try to hit the ball away from your hand. This is usually done with the fist.

Overhand Serve

In addition to the underhand serve, there is also an overhand serve in volleyball. This is usually done above the head. Here you throw the ball over your head, about half a meter in front of you. Swing your serving arm back next to your head. The elbow points upwards, your hand is at the level of your ear. You try to hit the ball with an extended arm over the net. Your serving hand touches the ball at its highest point before it falls back down.

Float/Flatter and Drive/Top-Spin volleyball serve

Float/Flat Serve

When serving in volleyball, you can hit the ball in many different ways. This can lead to a “flutter” where the ball begins to wobble. This makes it harder for the receivers to handle the ball.

Why balls flutter – The reason is the airflow

The explanation lies in the airflow around the ball. When the speed is below 15 m/s, the ball pushes a mass of air in front of it. At higher speeds, these do not flow evenly past the ball. If a storage occurs just above this limit of 15 m/s, the volleyball begins to flutter as soon as it reaches the threshold speed. The ball leaves the stable flight path and suddenly starts to transform into a floater.

The exact speed at which a floater occurs depends on several factors, e.g., the roughness of the ball, the condition of the seams, and how much the ball has been inflated.

Drive/Top-Spin Serve

You can also opt for the Drive/Top-Spin serve, where the ball gets a spinning effect. Generally, this serve is easier to control, but with a hard jump serve, the receivers will have trouble.

Volleyball Serving Rules

What exactly are the serving rules in volleyball? We have listed them below:

The serve is made in the serving zone behind the court
Entering or crossing the baseline during the serve is not allowed and results in a point for the opponent.
The ball may touch the net edge during the serve.

Jump Serve Volleyball

The jump serve is one of the most advanced techniques in volleyball and requires both strength and precision. In this technique, the player jumps into the air and hits the ball with great force over the net. The jump serve can be a very effective tactic to put pressure on the opponent and score points.

The key to learning the jump serve is thorough preparation and lots of practice. The technique requires a quick arm and hand movement, as well as a quick leg movement to catapult the body into the air. The jump serve can also have a higher error rate than other serving techniques, as it is more difficult to master.

FAQ about volleyball serving

What is a good volleyball serve?

A good volleyball serve is a crucial aspect of the game, requiring precision and power. Standing behind the service line, the goal is to hit the ball over the net, putting your opponents in a difficult position, preferably making it challenging for them to receive the ball properly. This can result in scoring points and maintaining control of the game.

What are the different types of serves in volleyball?

There are several types of serves in volleyball. The jump serve involves jumping for extra power, while the float serve is struck with minimal rotation to confuse receivers. Other variations include the topspin serve and the jump-float serve, each with unique techniques and objectives.

How can I improve my serving technique in volleyball?

To improve your serving technique, it’s important to work on your form. This includes refining your toss, swing, and follow-through. Developing consistency is also crucial to serve reliably.

What are common mistakes in serving and how can I avoid them?

Servers can employ various strategies, such as varying the placement, speed, and direction of their serves. This can confuse opponents and put them under pressure, making it challenging for them to receive and set up attacks.

What is a jump serve in volleyball?

A jump serve is a powerful variant where you jump during the hit to add extra power and speed to the ball. This can increase the ball’s velocity and make it more challenging for receivers to anticipate its trajectory.

What is a float serve in volleyball?

A float serve is a serving technique where the ball is struck with minimal rotation, making it unpredictable and difficult to receive for opponents. The absence of spin makes it harder to predict the ball’s path, which can be an advantage for the serving team. It requires accuracy and consistency to effectively master this technique.