Skill Development Drills: Serving

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on how to execute a proper float serve in volleyball. It covers key aspects such as the correct starting position with the right foot back, the importance of a controlled, moderate toss, and the proper arm positioning for a clean hit. The focus is on keeping the body aligned, using minimal lower body movement, and ensuring the wrist and hand maintain a firm yet relaxed position. The video emphasizes simplicity and precision, encouraging players to focus on a straight-through motion for a successful float serve.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start in a tall, athletic position with your left foot forward and right foot back to maintain balance.
• 😀 Position your body as if you are aiming down a hallway, ensuring alignment is straight.
• 😀 Your arm should be pulled back with the elbow high above the shoulder before tossing the ball.
• 😀 The toss should be low, ideally at the height of your foot, and not too high.
• 😀 Avoid using too much lower body movement during the toss, focusing on fine motor skills in your arm.
• 😀 When tossing, the ball should be released in front of your body for proper float serve contact.
• 😀 Take a moderate step forward with your left foot while tossing the ball; large steps can cause body twisting.
• 😀 Ensure your hand moves straight through the ball to generate the float effect, avoiding sideward motion.
• 😀 Keep your wrist firm and your palm flat during contact to ensure clean and controlled contact with the ball.
• 😀 After hitting the ball, follow through with your arm coming straight down to maintain body alignment.
• 😀 Avoid swinging through the ball like a spike. A clean contact is essential for a successful float serve.

Q & A

What is the first thing Megan does in the standing float serve demonstration?

Megan starts by getting into a tall athletic position, with her right foot back, left foot forward, and facing as though she's serving straight down the line.

Why is alignment important in a float serve?

Alignment is important because the serve needs to be directed down a straight line, as if serving through a hallway, ensuring the ball travels in a controlled and focused manner.

How high should the toss be when performing a standing float serve?

The toss should be low, around the height of Megan's foot, without excessive use of the lower body. This helps maintain a simple and controlled serve.

What should the arm position be like before tossing the ball?

Megan’s arm should be pulled back with the elbow high and above her shoulder, maintaining a comfortable and relaxed posture.

What is the significance of the step during the float serve?

The step should be moderate in size. A large step can cause unnecessary body twisting, making it difficult to execute a straight and effective serve.

How should the hand move when making contact with the ball?

The hand should move straight through the ball in a flat motion to ensure the serve floats. The hand should be stiff but not overly rigid, with the palm facing down and in the direction of the serve.

Why is it important to avoid using the lower body too much during the toss?

Excessive use of the lower body during the toss can result in inaccurate serves. The focus should be on fine motor control in the arm to achieve a precise and low toss.

What should be avoided when making contact with the ball?

It is important to avoid breaking the wrist or having a relaxed hand. The wrist should remain firm, and the hand should remain open yet comfortably stiff to create a clean contact with the ball.

How does the body position affect the serve after making contact with the ball?

After contact, the body should maintain an upright posture, facing the direction of the serve. The arm should come down in a relaxed manner to ensure a smooth and controlled finish.

Why is a clean contact important in the float serve?

A clean contact ensures the ball is served with proper spin and trajectory, leading to better control and effectiveness. Swinging through the ball like a spike should be avoided.