Volleyball is a fun game to play on the beach or on a volleyball court. In this game, there are many ways to pass the ball over the net. Performing and returning a serve or volley requires certain body movements. The right technique will ensure you become a great player on the team, whether on the first, second, or third stroke before the ball crosses the net.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Performing Overhand Serving
Step 1. Position the body in the right posture
The overhand serve (above) begins by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and slightly extending the opposite leg with the hitting hand. This way, your pelvis is geared towards the net.
Most of your weight is on the back leg
Step 2. Throw the ball in front of the bat
Overhand serve is done by throwing the ball using the non-dominant hand so that it can be hit by the dominant hand. This step takes a lot of practice so you can get the ball into the ideal position to hit. Throw the ball in front of the bat about 60-120 cm above the head.
A good server is able to keep throwing the ball consistently. So, practice diligently
Step 3. Hit the ball with the top of your palm
Spread your fingers wide apart and strike your palm against the ball. Try to hit the center of the ball when it's high enough to slide straight across the net.
- In overhand serve, the trajectory of the ball must be straight.
- Extend your arms toward the net to follow up on your serve.
Method 2 of 5: Underhand Serving
Step 1. Stand with both legs staggered
Position the body in the right attitude to produce a good serve. The underhand serve begins with staggering the foot and slightly advancing the opposite foot with the hitting hand. This position will provide a sturdy stance when hitting the serve.
- Most of the weight should be on the back leg.
- The hips must be guarded against the net.
Step 2. Position the ball in front of the batting arm
Your batting arm, which is usually your dominant hand, will be in charge of hitting the ball over the net. Hold the ball with your non-dominant hand directly in front of the batting arm.
Step 3. Hit the ball
To hit the ball, you can make a fist and try to hit the ball using the flat part of the fist, where your thumb and index finger meet. Swing your arms back and then forward like a pendulum to hit the ball. It's a good idea to hit the ball under the center so that it slides straight up and up across the net.
- Do not take your eyes off the part of the ball you want to hit.
- Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you hit the ball.
- Try to lower the holder's hand just before hitting the ball.
- Let your batting arm follow the ball as you hit to follow up on a straight forward hit.
- You can also hit the ball with the bottom of your palm.
Method 3 of 5: Bump
Step 1. Position your body to bump
Make a fist with your non-dominant hand, and wrap it with your dominant hand. Thus, the two thumbs are next to each other. Extend both arms forward so that it creates a kind of platform with both forearms. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Step 2. Hit the ball
Bumps are usually the first type of stroke to hit when the ball enters your team's court. Bumping is done by letting the ball touch the hand instead of hitting it by swinging the arm. This way, you can control the ball better.
- If the ball is still above your waist, you can pass it to your partner using your fists and forearms.
- If the ball has dropped below the pelvis, you will need to dig. The trick is to bend your legs and sometimes your hips to bump the ball and prevent it from touching the ground.
Step 3. Follow up with your arms
It's a good idea to keep moving your arm toward the person being passed after your hand has touched the ball. This way, you make sure the ball goes through the desired path after hitting it.
Method 4 of 5: Doing a Set
Step 1. Stand facing the ball with your hands slightly above your forehead to wait for the ball
A set is usually the second stroke after the ball is in your team's court area. This punch is done so that the partner can spike the opponent's field.
Your fingers should be spread apart and form a triangle with your thumb and forefinger close together, but not touching each other
Step 2. Hit the ball
When the ball comes, move your hands above your head, and rotate your wrists so that your palms are facing up toward the ceiling.
Keep your fingers open and form a triangle, but separate your hands slightly when the ball is almost there
Step 3. Pass the ball to a partner
Once the ball hits your hand, immediately straighten your arms and use your wrists to push the ball up towards your partner.
Follow up the movement by fully extending your arms as you release the ball
Method 5 of 5: Spike
Step 1. Step on your feet to prepare your body for the spike
A spike (or smash) in volleyball is a shot that is fired into the opponent's court. You need to run a few steps to get your body in the right position and get the energy to do a good spike. You can take 3-4 steps to spike, but usually players take 4 steps.
- Take small steps with your right foot.
- Take a bigger, faster step with your left foot towards where the ball will be set by your partner.
- Take big strides with your right foot that will put you in the best takeoff position for the jump.
- Take small steps with your left foot to transfer momentum and make a powerful jump.
Step 2. Jump into the air
The jump point is very important to ensure you can hit the ball high in the air and in front of your body. It's a good idea to jump straight vertically up and hit the ball at the top of the jump.
Step 3. Spike the ball until it crosses the net
Swing your arms as you approach the ball to hit it at the top of the jump. Swing your arms back as you step with your right foot, and then straighten them as you jump.
- When both arms are straightened, bring the hitting hand back by bending the elbow. Both hands should be open and relaxed. Thus, your arms form an arc.
- Swing your bat over the top of the ball and hit it when it's at the top of the jump.
- When you hit the ball, flick your wrist down so the ball goes down and across the net.
Tips
- Practice every day to improve your playing skills.
- Give the ball a twist by hitting it on one side to make it harder for your opponent to return.
- Beginners should start from the underhand serve, then move on to the overhand serve when they are proficient.
- Keep practicing. Like any other sport, volleyball takes a lot of practice, but it's a lot of fun. If you don't have a partner to practice with, try bumping, hitting, and sets using a high wall. Your fingers will shoot the ball up.
