1. The Basics
Volleyball players can use any part of their bodies to hit the ball over the volleyball net and score points, as long as the ball is hit a maximum of three times on each side of the net. You score points when you're serving, if the receiving team can't return the volleyball or prevent it from hitting the ground. Each time you score, you get one point. The first team to score 15, with a two point buffer, wins. Volleyball players can get very banged up, so it's important to wear elbow pads and knee pads when you're playing in a volleyball game and working on your volleyball skills. The pads also give you the confidence to dive for balls without worrying about doing your body damage.
2. Bump it
The first hit when the balls comes over the volleyball net is the bump, which means hitting it with your forearms. The trick is to get your body low and bend your knees, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Lean forward and get under the ball. Keep your forearms solid and throw your shoulders forward for leverage. When the ball comes for you, make sure you keeping moving through the ball. Translation? Follow through after hitting the volleyball, moving your shoulders. This will put some backspin on the ball. Stay low after hitting it, because you want it to go to your teammate for a set. It's important to stay out of the way of the play.
3. Set it
The setter intercepts the ball from the bump and sets it up using their fingertips. You want to make contact with the ball, about one foot above your head, in front of the volleyball net. Hold both hands above your forehead, holding them so your index fingers and thumbs almost touch. Both hands should be open. Bend your knees and push up with your arms and legs simultaneously. Snap the ball upwards in the direction of another player who can spike it over the volleyball net. You want the ball to hang in the air, but definitely not go over the net--yet. Try to get it a few feet above the net, on your side, so the hitter can spike it over without being blocked. You must hit the ball without allowing it to come to rest (however momentarily), which is illegal and known as a "lift." You also must make contact with both hands simultaneously or risk getting called for a "double hit."
4. Spike it
An important part of the spike is the approach to the net. Take a big step with your back foot, then a small and quick step with your strong foot, followed by a small and quick step with your weak foot again. So, if you're right handed, you want to take a big step with your left, toward the net, quick step with right then quick with left. That last step is a jump upwards, not forward. Hold your dominant hand over your head as high as possible, pull it back to your shoulder and slam your hand down on the ball. Your palm should be facing the ground. If you were set up well, you should spike ball inbounds, making it nearly impossible for the other volleyball players to return it.
5. Block it
Blocking is one of the easiest moves you'll make while playing volleyball. Stand facing the net with your feet spread to shoulder-width apart. Hold your hands up, with your elbows at 90 degree angles. Spread your fingers apart to give you a bigger blocking surface. Bend your knees and jump as high as you can, extending your arms. The trick is to time it right so you jump just as the other team's hitter is slamming the ball over the net.
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