Volleyball is a popular sport that requires skill, teamwork, and strategy. One of the key components of playing volleyball is the serve. A successful serve can put your team in a better position to score, while a weak serve can put your team in a disadvantage. An underhand serve is a great option for beginners or players who want to add variety to their serving skills.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to serve underhand in volleyball, including tips for improving your technique and adding power to your serve.
Understanding the Basics of Underhand Serving
Before we dive into the steps to serve underhand in volleyball, it’s important to understand the basics of this type of serve. An underhand serve is when the ball is contacted by the hand while it is below the waist. This type of serve is considered a “soft” serve, and is often used by players who are looking to control the pace of the game or to surprise their opponents.
One of the key benefits of an underhand serve is that it is easier to control than an overhand serve. This makes it a great option for beginners or for players who struggle with accuracy when serving overhand. An underhand serve can also be a great way to add variety to your serving game, as opponents may not expect it.
Steps for Serving Underhand in Volleyball
Now that you have a basic understanding of underhand serving, let’s take a closer look at the steps involved. Follow these steps to serve underhand in volleyball:
Step 1: Positioning
The first step in serving underhand in volleyball is to get into the right position. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net. Your non-serving arm should be extended in front of you, while your serving arm should be relaxed at your side.
Step 2: Toss the Ball
The next step is to toss the ball in the air. Use your non-serving arm to toss the ball straight up, about shoulder height. Make sure the ball is released cleanly, without any spin or wobble.
Step 3: Contact the Ball
Once the ball reaches its highest point, use your serving arm to contact the ball. Keep your arm relaxed and use a relaxed, fluid motion to make contact with the ball. Your wrist should be slightly relaxed, and your hand should make contact with the ball on the underside.
Step 4: Follow Through
After you have contacted the ball, make sure to follow through with your serving arm. Keep your arm relaxed and extend it in the direction you want the ball to go. Your arm should move in a smooth, continuous motion from start to finish.
Step 5: Finish
Finally, finish your serve by returning to your starting position. Your non-serving arm should be extended in front of you, while your serving arm should be relaxed at your side.
Tips for Improving Your Underhand Serve
Now that you understand the steps involved in serving underhand in volleyball, let’s take a closer look at some tips for improving your technique. Follow these tips to add power and accuracy to your underhand serve:
Practice: The best way to improve your underhand serve is to practice it as much as possible. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become with the motion.
Body positioning: Make sure your body is in the correct position when serving. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be slightly bent. Keep your back straight, and keep your eyes on the ball.
Grip: The grip is important for a good underhand serve. You can either use a continental grip or an Eastern forehand grip. Practice with both grips to find the one that works best for you.
Toss: The toss is critical to the success of your underhand serve. The ball should be tossed directly above your non-serving hand. The height of the toss should be consistent and high enough to allow you to hit the ball with proper form.
Follow-through: The follow-through is just as important as the actual serve. Make sure you finish the motion by reaching high and pointing your non-serving hand at the target.
Speed: The speed of your underhand serve is important. Work on increasing the speed of your serve gradually. This will help you to get the ball over the net and keep your opponent guessing.
Aim: Practice aiming for different parts of the service box. This will help you to become a more versatile player and keep your opponent guessing.
Watch videos: Watch videos of professional players serving. Pay attention to their form, grip, and follow-through. Use these videos as a guide for your own practice sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving underhand in volleyball is a highly effective and useful skill to have in your arsenal. To perfect your underhand serve, you need to focus on your body positioning, arm motion, and ball control. Additionally, practicing your serve regularly and incorporating various drills into your training routine can help you build strength and develop consistent, accurate serves. Remember to always warm up properly, focus on good technique, and never be afraid to experiment with different techniques and serving styles to find what works best for you. By following these tips and putting in the time and effort to hone your underhand serving skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and successful volleyball player.
