One of the most aggressive yet graceful moves in sports, the volleyball spike requires you to jump toward the sky and smash the ball in an attempt to win the rally. The spike also is called a hit or an attack. By practicing the keys to good volleyball spiking, you can achieve a kill: a spike that can't be returned and wins the rally.
Footwork
You need to run from your position on the court to a spot just in front of the net where your setter, who as the name suggests sets up your attack, has lofted the ball. Over time, the setter gets to know your preferences, so she ideally takes into consideration your preferred height and distance from the net for a spike. Take a long stride into the final step, pull your arms back and launch yourself up, using your core to explosively extend your knees and arms.
Timing
Work with your setter on timing, especially for a quick spike that doesn't permit time for running to the spot. Approach your spot quickly and gather yourself for your jump, recommends the Federation Internationale de Volleyball, the governing body of the sport. Jump before the setter places the ball in the best place for emphatic contact. At the top of your jump, hit the ball with a fast swing, twisting your body if necessary to send the ball to an undefended spot.
Hitting Motion
You want to avoid overpowering the ball and sending it out of bounds; thus you don't necessarily need as much power and height as seen in ultra-competitive volleyball. "Power is seriously overrated," U.S. Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor told the online site Beach Dig. Work instead on proper hitting motion, similar to that of an overhead smash in tennis. Point your left arm toward the ball and your left shoulder to the net if you are right-handed. Bend back your right arm like you are scratching the back of your head as the ball rises, May-Treanor advises. Make contact with your right palm firm. You don't even have to jump -- sometimes you can stay on the ground.
Follow Through
Contact the ball and follow through with your thumb and four fingers down, recommends Alicia Zamparelli of Volleyball1on1.com, based on a tip she learned from May-Treanor. Toss a ball up to yourself and pick a corner, and try to hit it five times in a row. Pick another corner and repeat the exercise. Snap your arm as you rise on tiptoe and stay focus on keeping your hand high.
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