How can i make my volleyball serve more consistent/better?

Question

so i've been only playing volleyball for 2 years. i'm not really good but i'm not entirely terrible either. i learned my overhand serve pretty fast and when i concentrate and try really hard they can be really good and i've gotten some good aces too. i would really like to make my serves more consistent though. also i feel like i could be using more power in my serves i feel like when i try to get the serve over it goes too high and when i try to make it like faster and closer to the net and use a little more strength, it goes down and into the net. so if anyone has any advice as to how to make my serves stronger, and closer to the net and more consistent that would be helpful. thanks.

Answer 1

practice.

and keep your thumb out of the way

Answer 2

Really the only way to make your serves more consistent is to keep practicing. What helps me is making up a rountine to do before I serve. It gives me more power and it has help me get the serve over the net and where I want it. Of course you ahve to make the routine short and quick. For example take a couple steps back then step quickly while serving it on your third step or whatever. Also practice your throws because they are essential for a good serve. Make sure they are directly in front of not too far back or front. Another that helps is using a wall. Face the wall. Throw the ball up and contact it so the ball is against the wall. Make sure you contact as high as you can for more power. That exercise helped me a lot because before I served the ball right out in front of me not above me. Hope that helped ;).

Answer 3

its not how hard you serve the ball, its where you place it. you have to think smart when you serve the ball. try and aim for an empty spot on the court when you serve. the more you randomize your serving spots the more you will be able to get aces. if you keep serving in the same spot or at the same speed (deep serve or a short serve) then the other team will be able to telll where you are going to be serving next and try and cheat by adjusting early so they know the ball will come  right to them. so if you randomize your serving and do some short and some deep, some in the corner, and some on the line, you will be a great server....

its not about how hard you put the ball down, its where you put it =]

Answer 4

Most of the time people mess up the serve from their throw. If the throw is off by just a little, it will throw your serve off.

Here are some tips my coach gave me:

Take your time when serving and PICTURE exactly what you want to happen with your serve.

Start with left foot in front and right foot back

Lift and release the ball in front of your hitting shoulder (12 inches above the hand that released the ball)

Contact the ball with a strong hand at the highest point possible with the base of your hand (arm should be extended and locked)

Practice will help the most out of everything!!! If you do not own a net, mark an outdoor wall with a chalk line (Girls volleyball nets are 7'4"), and practice hitting above that line.

Good luck!