In volleyball, the underhand is the most basic skill you will need. Serving is the only period in volleyball where you can control a stationary ball and score a lot of points. Therefore, developing a good service technique must be done. The down serve doesn't require as much strength as the overhand or as much practice as the jump serve so it's perfect for beginners.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Taking Position
Step 1. Position both legs
Stand with your non-dominant foot in front and your toes facing forward. The dominant foot should be back with the toes pointing slightly outward.
- Transfer your weight to your dominant leg.
- Make sure your pelvis is facing straight ahead, not tilted to the side.
Step 2. Prepare the ball
Cup the palm of your non-dominant hand so that it resembles a bowl and place the ball on it. Make sure the ball rests firmly so it doesn't shake or fall out of your hand.
- Keep your fingers slightly limp to transfer the weight of the ball. This helps the ball stay balanced.
- Do not grip the ball with your fingers. The ball must be stable, but still able to fly when hit.
Step 3. Lower the ball
Bring the arm holding the ball to the side, in front of the batting arm. The ball should be at mid-thigh height.
- Straighten the arm holding the ball, and move it to the side using your shoulder, not your elbow.
- It's best to keep the ball as low as possible. That way, you can hit the ball as hard as you can while lifting your whole body forward.
Step 4. Lean your shoulders forward
Move your pelvis back and keep your upper back as straight as possible as you bring your shoulders closer to the ball. This way, you have more control over the ball.
- Don't bend down, but don't stand up straight either
- As you move your pelvis back, you can raise the tip of your forefoot so that your heel touches the floor and your toes point up.
Part 2 of 3: Aim the Ball
Step 1. Choose a strategic place to land the ball
Try to outwit your opponent as much as possible. While this may seem unimportant when practicing alone, when you're playing you'll want your serve to land where your opponent expects you to be. So, practice aiming!
- First of all, try to aim to the inside right or left of the court so that your opponent is forced out of formation.
- After that, start practicing aiming between opposing players. This will leave your opponent doubting who should take the ball, increasing your strategic advantage.
Step 2. Adjust your angle to the net
If you aim deep left, the shoulder will point to the left and the hind leg will move slightly to the right, and vice versa.
- Trace a straight line across the field with your gaze. Bring your eye from where you want the ball to land to the point at the bottom of the ball you want to hit.
- If you have to move your head sideways to trace a line from your landing point to your hitting point, it's a good idea to position your feet and shoulders so that they're facing your desired landing point.
Step 3. Clench your bat
After that, rotate your arms so that your fists/fist and wrists are facing up.
- Imagine your fist hitting the hitting point on the ball, and follow the line leading to the ball's landing point.
- You may face your fists to the side, with your wrists turned inward and your thumbs facing up.
Part 3 of 3: Doing Service
Step 1. Determine the curvature of the ball
The curvature of the ball's path is determined whether you want to land the ball further on the opponent's side or closer to you. If the ball is hit firmly forward, it will fly lower and faster towards the back of the court. On the other hand, if the ball is hit upwards, it will fly high and land close to you/net.
- Usually a low arch to the end of the court is used more often because it is difficult to pass and control the opponent so that the chances of scoring are greater.
- If you believe the two people at the net will be confused if the serve lands between them, you can try aiming for the high arch that lands there.
- If you want a serve with better control and speed, try the top serve.
Step 2. Pull the hitting arm straight back
The arm should move quickly like a pendulum. After that, swing forward firmly and hit the bottom of the ball with your fist.
- Instead, hit the ball just below the center so it bounces up and over the net.
- Accelerate your swing just before your hand hits the ball.
Step 3. Step your foot forward as you swing your arm
Shift your weight to your non-dominant foot (forefoot). Raise your whole body forward, and push the ball over the net.
Step 4. Continue with the arms
Your arm should continue to swing even after touching the ball. Raise your arms all the way up so that the ball really goes straight over the net.
- Keep your arms straight. Your arms should swing straight like a pendulum until they are as high as or just above your head.
- Reimagine the line traced from the landing point to the strike point. Your fists should trace those lines as you follow through.
Step 5. Switch to ready position
After the ball is served, get ready immediately. Stand facing forward with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and arms straight out in front of you and palms clasped together.
- Allow your arms to complete this follow-up movement before clasping your palms together to get ready.
- You can check the ball's landing for a moment, but don't be unprepared when the ball returns to you.
Tips
- You'll need to practice your swing a few times to see how hard the ball needs to hit to get across the net.
- Try to serve from various angles. The more you practice, the better you will understand how the angle of the stroke affects the curvature of the ball.
- Don't throw the ball with your left hand instead of hitting it with your right.
