Serve open fist or closed? ?

Question

My over head serve open hand sucks. Really bad. But my closed fist serve makes it over all the time and its fast and high. I have tryouts in 3 days, and my coach said that she wants open fist. But should I go ahead and do closed fist. I really want to make the A team. Help please?

Answer 1

Only if you lack the power to serve the ball over the net open hand should you use a closed fist.  I say this very very cautiously though.  Serving closed fist greatly restricts your ability to serve accurately, and disallows any topspin to be generated, although it does let you strike the ball with a little more force.  If you are forced to serve 'in' in a game or scrimmage, use your closed fist if you can guarantee that the ball clears the net, and goes in. However, every single opportunity you have to practice your open hand float.  Never practice a closed fist in practice.

You might want to explain your philosophy to your coach:  "Because currently my open hand serve lacks power, and is inconsistent, I'm going to use my closed fist in "must-serve-in" situations.   However I will practice my open hand serving until it becomes a threat to the opponent, never resting on my closed-fist ability."

Work on the open hand serve as much as possible.

Answer 2

Open handed serving is more controlled than closed fist.  You should do what your coach wants.  She'd rather see you follow her instructions and mess up a bit than do well while serving with bad form.  

Answer 3

make sure you have your hand big and strong! keep your wrist firm and contact the ball with your arm fully extended. I really hope this helps. I dont think you should just do a closed fist. It shows that your not willing to try the techniques your coach wants and that would show uncooperation and unwillingness to grow as a player. Good luck and i hope you make it!

Answer 4

OPEN!!!! Closed fist goes everywhere you can never get the volleyball to go straight! AND BESIDES THAT ITS ILLIGAL!!!

Answer 5

It is best to serve with an open hand because it gives you more control. Try to just keep practicing your open hand serve, and do it at try-outs. It's best to listen to what your coach wants. If you're having trouble at try-outs, talk to her after the first day. This will show that you're dedicated, and you're open to making mistakes and getting help. Coaches love that. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Most coaches do want you to serve with an open fist because you have more control on the ball.  Practice with an open fist more and you could get it, if you have the strength to get the ball over with a closed fist you could get it over with an open one too.  Try starting close to the net and throwing it over using the arm motion you would to serve then keep moving back then do the same thing but actually hit it this time.  This excercise  helped my serve a lot.  Hope this helps!