How to Serve a Volleyball Overhand from www.thoughtco.com
Introduction
If you're looking to improve your volleyball game, mastering the overhand serve is a must. Not only is it one of the most powerful serves in the game, but it's also one of the most difficult to master. In this article, we'll take you through the steps you need to follow to perfect your overhand serve and take your game to the next level.
Step 1: The Grip
The first step to mastering the overhand serve is to get the right grip. Start by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand with your fingers spread wide. Then, place your dominant hand on top of the ball with your fingers spread wide as well. Your thumbs should be positioned in a "V" shape, with the tips of your thumbs touching each other.
Step 2: The Toss
The toss is one of the most important parts of the overhand serve. To get a good toss, hold the ball in front of you with your arms extended straight up. Then, release the ball with a gentle upward motion, using your non-dominant hand to guide the ball upward.
Step 3: The Approach
Once you've tossed the ball, it's time to approach the serve. Start by taking a small step forward with your non-dominant foot, followed by a larger step forward with your dominant foot. As you take your second step, swing your dominant arm back behind you.
Step 4: The Contact
As you take your third and final step, swing your dominant arm forward and make contact with the ball. Aim to hit the ball with the heel of your hand, just above your wrist. Your arm should be fully extended at contact, and your wrist should snap forward to generate power.
Step 5: The Follow-Through
After making contact with the ball, follow through with your swing. Your arm should continue to swing forward and downward, ending up in front of your body. Your weight should shift forward onto your non-dominant foot as you complete your follow-through.
Step 6: Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes that beginners make when attempting the overhand serve. One of the most common is failing to toss the ball high enough, which can lead to a weak serve. Another common mistake is failing to fully extend the arm at contact, which can also result in a weak serve.
Step 7: Tips for Success
To improve your overhand serve, it's important to practice regularly. Start by practicing your toss, then work on your approach and contact. Focus on generating power through your wrist snap and follow-through. And don't forget to stay relaxed and breathe deeply throughout the serve.
Step 8: Conclusion
Mastering the overhand serve is a challenging but rewarding part of playing volleyball. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to perfecting your overhand serve and dominating the court. So get out there and start serving!