Although some rules exist regarding how you can hit a volleyball, no rules prohibit shots taken above the head. Many volleyball shots take place overhead, since you must hit the ball over top of the net. As long as you get the ball over the net within three shots, you can make contact with your hands and arms at any height.
Serve
Players use many service types, with some of them coming from an overhead angle. When making an overhead float serve, you want the ball to float around as much as possible, making it difficult for the receiving team to dig it properly. At more advanced levels, you can attempt an overhead spike serve as well. This serve allow you to generate power, making it difficult for the opposing team to return. Some players have difficulty learning a spike serve, but it has its advantages once you master it. When serving, you can contact the ball only with one hand.
Set
When setting the ball, raise your arms over your head and push the ball upward. Ideally, you want to direct the ball toward a teammate, who will attack the ball and attempt to score a point. The overhead motion allows the ball to travel high in the direction of your teammate, giving him more time to line up his shot and get enough power behind it to score. You must use an overhead motion to give the ball its desired trajectory.
Spikes and Attacks
When you spike the ball, you use an overhead motion. Once your team has possession of the ball, one player will pass it to another and that player will set it for an attacker. The attacker will jump into the air at the net and spike the ball down into the other court to score a point. You must use an overhead shot when spiking, since the set forces the ball above your head. In beach volleyball, you cannot open hand tip, or dink, the ball during an attack. You must keep your fingers together and rigid or use your knuckles when sending the ball to your opponent's side of the court.
Bump
In some cases, the ball might come at you above your head, but with too much speed for you to set. You can bump the ball above your head, although you might have difficulty keeping it accurate. You bump the ball by holding your hands and wrists together and making a platform with your arms. Despite its awkwardness, nothing in the rules prevents this type of shot.
Block
While not technically a shot, you contact the ball overhead when you go for a block of an opposing player's spike. When blocking, you jump into the air at the net with your arms above your head and even over the net, as long as you do not touch the net. If the ball lands on the other side of the net, your team receives a point, just like with a shot. You cannot block or make contact with a serve as it crosses the net.
References
- "Volleyball Skills & Drills"; American Volleyball Coaches Association; 2005
- "Volleyball Fundamentals"; Joel Dearing; 2003
- "Volleyball Skills & Drills"; Jim Bertoli; 2004
- USA Volleyball: 2009-2011 Domestic Competition Regulations; 2008
- USA Volleyball: USAV RVA Training Manual: Beach Volleyball
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