The serve is obviously a critical skill in volleyball. Players need to be able to serve into different zones and players need to be able to execute more than one type of serve. Therefore coaches need to be able to all serve variations.
In the clip below Todd Dagenais,University of Central Florida head coach, instructs you how to teach four different serve variations. You will see a demonstrations of the standing float and topspin serve as well as the jump float and the jump topspin serve. Coach offers very clear teaching points for each of the serve variations.
The clip is from a a DVD that is a complete guide to improving your teams serving. The DVD includes instruction on how to become a more powerful and more accurate server. You can learn about a fifth type serve(not seen in the clip) that you can use to increase power and ball movement. He also teaches eight rules to take advantage of your team’s serving strengths. For more information about this DVD click the link Techniques and Tactics to Win the Serve
The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. Some schools block access to YouTube. If you are unable to view the video from school,please contact your network administrator.
Four Serve Variations: Key Coaching Points
Standing Float Serve
Strike the ball at the equator or midline with a firm hand.
The ball should be tossed in front of the hitting shoulder.
Take one step with the opposite leg (left leg for right handed players) and toss.
The ball should be struck hard
TopSpin Serve
Strike the ball below the midline with a loose wrist.
The hand is rolled up and over the ball
The toss is above or slightly behind the hitting shoulder
The ball should be tossed with some top spin.
Step once with the opposite leg (left leg for right handed players)
Jump Serves
The biggest difference here for both the jump float and the jump topspin is that there will be an approach to the ball.
The ball should be tossed higher and further into the court than on a standing serve.
The players will use a left-right-left approach (for right handed players)