How to Serve a Volleyball

Volleyball refers to a game where a ball has to be hit over a net, similar to what is done in badminton. It is a team sport and the aim of this game is to ground the ball in the court of opponent team, as per the organized rules. In tennis, the serve and how it is done can win the game for a player and may be even a match. In volleyball too, the way a serve is delivered, can turn the fortunes of a team and the serve is one of the basic volleyball terms. There are two ways in which you can serve in a game of volleyball. One is underhand and another is overhand. Serving is an essential skill to imbibe if you want to be a volleyball player.

How to Serve Overhand Volleyball

• Place your left foot ahead of your right foot and the distance between your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
• Align your shoulder and hips with the net.
• Without bending your arms, place them straight in front.
• The bottom of the ball has to be held with the palm of your left hand and top with your right palm. Remember that the elbows and arms should not be in contact with any other part of the body.
• Raise you serving arm, in this case the right arm, next to your head. Your elbow should point upwards.
• The next thing you have to do is toss the ball in the air using the palm of your left hand. You are not supposed to use four fingers.
• The ball may go about 2 to 3 feet in the air. Once it is mid air, with your left foot, step forward.
• After you step forward hit the bottom of ball with your right palm, with a straight wrist and stiff hand.
• The ball should be hit at the highest point after you throw it in the air.
• It is better not to hit the ball on its way down.
• For that, take care that you do not throw the ball too high!
• Once you strike the ball, run to your position on the court.
• Remember these 4 words - toss, step, hit and follow through to serve a volleyball overhand.

We are now done with one type of volleyball serve. Next we'll see how to serve a volleyball with an underhand serve.

How to Serve Underhand Volleyball

• Start with putting either your left foot or right foot forward. Bend your knees slightly.
• Just like in the overhand serve, place the palm of your left hand under the volleyball, holding it in front of you.
• Meanwhile, keep your right hand open and not in a fist.
• Now drop your right hand as it would be normally and follow it by getting it back beyond your hips slightly.
• The real thing comes next. Swing your arm forward, it should be under the ball. The mantra is to hit the ball using the heel of your hand, not the palm.
• Step into the swing with either of the foot, but avoid stepping over the line in a game.
• After making contact with the ball, let the swing of your arm continue, that will be your follow through.
• Finally, bring your right hand over your left shoulder.

This might seem easy to read, but it is a fair chance that if you are just starting off, you may not be able to get this right. In that case, relax, there is no need to be disappointed. Remember practice makes a man perfect? The same rule applies here. In an underhand serve, hitting with wrist is important and taking a swing at the ball is crucial in an overhand serve. To top this all, always face the direction you want your ball to go in when you serve! Good luck!