There are several different serves that can be used in volleyball: overhand serve, float serve, jump serve, underhand serve etc. Each has their purpose and different degrees of difficulty to master. In this article we will discuss how to perform the overhand serve since it is the most used and one of the easier serves to lean and master.

The Overhand Serve

For a right handed server, start with your left foot in front of your right and the ball in your left hand. Hold the ball up at shoulder height, arm stretched out but with a slight bend in your left elbow. Pull your right arm back so that your right hand is just in front of your face with the palm facing down.

To serve, tilt your right arm up as you pull your right elbow back. At the same time, slowly move your left arm up to toss the ball. Keep you left hand and arm steady throughout its movement to avoid spinning the ball. 

With your left foot take a short step forward and shift your weight onto this foot as you swing your right arm forward to meet the ball. You should contact the ball just above your head and when the ball has reached its peak and at your highest reach. Work on your ball toss, to ensure that the height is correct.

Using your open and firm hand, strike the ball with your palm. To avoid the ball from spinning, do not follow through the serve but rather, stop as soon as contact has been made.

A good serve is vital to a teams volleyball game so be sure that all players are sufficiently skilled to get their serve in 100% of the time regardless of the method they use. A great way to improve your serve is to have a coach watch you serving and to point out errors. Repetitive practice and adopting the coach’s advice will delivery results in the shortest possible time.