Are you ready to take your volleyball game to the next level? Learning how to execute a perfect overhand serve can make you a valuable asset to your team and give you a competitive edge on the court.
Many beginners said, “I can’t overhand serve in volleyball.” So, in this blog post, I will teach you how to perform this over-the-head serve.
Contents
How to overhand serve in volleyball? Step by Step
STEP 1 – Grip the Ball Properly:
Hold the volleyball in your non-dominant hand with your fingers spread apart. Your hand should be positioned underneath the ball, supporting its weight.
STEP 2 – Find Your Stance:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent for balance. Your non-dominant foot should be slightly forward, pointing towards your target.
STEP 3 – Focus on Your Target:
Identify where you want the ball to land on the opposite side of the court. Visualize a spot just above the net and aim for it.
STEP 4 – Raise Your Dominant Hand:
Bring your dominant hand up and back behind your head, keeping your elbow bent. This motion will generate power for your serve.
STEP 5 –Toss the Ball:
With a smooth motion, toss the volleyball into the air in front of you. The toss should be high enough to give you time to swing your serving arm but not too high that it becomes difficult to control.
STEP 6 -Contact Point:
As the ball reaches its peak, shift your weight onto your back foot and begin to swing your serving arm forward. Your hand should contact the lower part of the ball, just below its center.
STEP 7 –Follow Through:
Extend your serving arm fully towards your target, snapping your wrist at the point of contact. This action adds spin to the ball, making it more difficult for the opposing team to return.
STEP 8 –Land in a Balanced Position:
After you’ve made contact with the ball, land on your dominant foot while keeping your body balanced and facing the net. This position prepares you for any follow-up plays or movements on the court.
STEP 9 –Practice Consistently:
Like any skill, mastering the overhand serve takes time and practice. Set aside time during your volleyball sessions to focus on your serving technique. Experiment with different grips, toss heights, and follow-through motions to find what works best for you.
STEP 10 –Seek Feedback:
Don’t hesitate to ask your coach or more experienced players for feedback on your overhand serve. They can offer valuable tips and corrections to help you improve.
Common Mistakes and Their Correction
Poor Ball Toss:
- Mistake: Tossing the ball too far in front or too far to the side can disrupt your timing and accuracy.
- Correction: Focus on tossing the ball directly in front of your serving arm, maintaining a consistent height and distance from your body. Practice tossing the ball repeatedly until you find the optimal placement.
Incorrect Hand Placement:
- Mistake: Placing your hand too high or too low on the ball can affect the trajectory and spin of your serve.
- Correction: Position your hand slightly below the center of the ball, ensuring a clean contact point. Experiment with different hand placements to find the most comfortable and practical position for your serve.
Lack of Follow-Through:
- Mistake: Failing to follow through fully after making contact with the ball can result in a weak and inconsistent serve.
- Correction: Focus on extending your serving arm towards your target and snapping your wrist at the point of contact. Imagine reaching the intended spot on the court with your hand to generate power and spin in your serve.
Incorrect Footwork:
- Mistake: Neglecting proper footwork can lead to instability and reduced power in your serve.
- Correction: Ensure your feet are shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot slightly forward for balance. Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you swing your serving arm forward, generating momentum for your serve.
What are Volleyball Overhand Serve Drills?
You can practice with these drills to make your serve powerful.
- Wall Traps
- Toss and Serve Drill
- Net and step back drill
Conclusion
By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a skilled server on the court. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it immediately. Keep refining your technique, seeking feedback, and dedicating time to practice, and soon enough, you’ll be serving like a pro. So grab your volleyball, hit the court, and serve your way to success!