Overhand serve- a few questions?

Question

ok, so here is the deal. I haev asked a question about HOW to overhand serve, which helped a bunch. Now I just need some questions answered:

1.When you overhand serve, should you take steps forward? Or stay in place? What are the benefits of stepping forward?

2. the toss should be in front of the hitting shoulder, correct?

3. when you pull your hitting arm back, should your hand and ear be equal in level?

4. Most of the time when I hit the ball, it flies off to the left or right. is this because I am not hitting it full on? Could I be only hitting the left side of the ball? Before I overhand serve, I get nervous thinking, "is it going to go straight?" then I sometimes find myself rushing to hit the ball to see the result. Could me rushing possibly be the problem?

up until a week ago I had a perfect overhand serve. Then I think I overdid it, and now I am back to square one. Please give me answers and tips, tryouts are in 4 weeks!!!

Answer 1

I'm assuming you want to do a float serve, rather than a topspin serve.

A float serve is a serve that has absolutely no spin. When you hit the ball straight on, it causes the air packet within the ball to contract, then expand. Therefore, a float serve starts "wobbling" in the air, and it makes it really hard to pass. Basically, before you toss, you should set up with the dominant (probably right for you) hand at your ear and the ball  held in front of you with your other hand. You should release the ball so that the ball is above your hitting shoulder and at just the maximum height of your reach. That way, you will always have the same timing for your serve, minimizing errors, and you won't have to worry about rushing. However, this means that your toss has to be very precise, so that'll take more practice.

Stepping forward while serving will give you more power, because you're using your body and momentum to drive your hand through the ball. However, it increases error because it's harder to hit the ball straight in the middle when you're moving forward, and the toss has to be even more precise because if you mishit the ball, the ball will probably fly out of bounds or into the net. If you stay still, because you're using less power, even if you mishit it, it can still stay on the court.

Getting a good overhead serve can help your team by making it harder for the opponent to set up a spike. Just remember the basics, and keep on practicing.

Answer 2

1. Firstly, you're feet are staggared (left foot back for right-handed, right foot back for left-handed) As you toss the ball up in the air, your back foot should come forward. This is for stability when you hit, so you are balanced and transfer energy most effectively. Right when you contact the ball, you should drag the foot on your hitting side to inforce your follow through, which is very important for direction and top spin.

2. Not really... I wouldn't (and don't) force my throw to the right/left side of my body, that's just awkward. A nice high, straight up will work and believe me, you can hit it straight with this method.

3. Close! Your elbow and your ear should be at the same level, meaning your hand is a bit higher. This is because of the high toss, you are contacting at a higher point than above your head. Do you ever hit into the net? This might be why, because you are contacting the ball too low.

4. Yes, that would be why. We alays did drills where we slapped the ball, making sure we contacted it on the top, facing us. Then we transitioned to holding it up against a wall and contacting it the same way. Never rush, take your time! You actually have a lot of time to serve, and once you've got it correct, you'll know where it is going!

Answer 3

ok...i think you have the basic idea...but heres a little more:

1.yes, you should try to take at least one step forward. it gives you more force. its just like throwing a baseball...does the ball go farther if you stay where you are or if you step?

2. yes, the toss needs to be infront of you hitting shoulder. otherwise, you will have to move to get the ball and your feet will trip and your aim will be reset so it will not go where you need it to.

3. kind of...your hand should come a littl ehigher than your ear, but not much!

4.ues, i do think if may be because your hand turns when you try to hit it and you end uo  hitting with more of the side of your hand than the middle. try to keep your hand straight and flat so that the ball hits the middle of your hand.

good luck! i hope this helped! email me if you need anything else!

Answer 4

1. I take a step foward to have my body in a forward mothion with the ball..and soon i hit the ball...my body is already in the motion to run back into place

2.Yes

3.I dont think it really matters..but you dont really want your hand like super high or low...well i guess it does matter...that sounds about a good height.

4.I would just practice...it is obvious that you are new to overhand serving so i would just practice ..evetually u just place your hand right..it takes time for you to find it...

and dont stresss....volleyball is really fun..and when you overthink it you can ruin it..just have fun with it...

Answer 5

I have several things to add.

Try to not take any steps.  As you read above, the more steps you take, the more error you have.  If your serve is a little short, you can start with your feet a little closer together and then just step with your left foot if you are right handed.  If you are not serving short, do not take any steps.  

You could be correct.  You could be hitting the left or right side of the ball.  Or your toss could be to the left or the right of your shoulder.  If you toss it to the right of center, you could be reaching over to hit it to the right of where you want.  Same for left.  

Take a deep breath before you serve.  Look at the center of the ball and concentrate on the center of the ball.  Do not think about IF the ball is going in.  Think about it going right where you want it.  And then stare at the ball.