Each volleyball rally starts with a serve. During a serve, a player in the court's back right corner hits the ball over the net to the opposition. In side-out scoring, only the serving team can score points, which places a greater emphasis on accurate, effective serves. Volleyball players use a variety of serving techniques to try and gain an advantage, including a jump float serve.
Identification
During a jump float serve, the server tosses the ball into the air, jumps up and strikes the ball with an overhand arm swing. The server attempts to hit the ball squarely with a flat, open palm to limit the spin as much as possible. This lack of spin allows the ball's seams to catch air, causing it to float and change directions like a knuckleball.
Performing the Serve
To hit a proper jump serve, stand at least three strides away from the back line to allow enough room to build momentum for the jump. When you reach the line, toss the ball into the air towards your hitting shoulder and jump. Hit the ball at the very peak of the toss, when the ball is as stable as possible. If the ball is on its way up or down, it will be more difficult to limit the spin. When you're striking the ball, aim for the center and make contact with your palm only, as if you're giving the ball a high-five.
Benefits
The jump float serve flutters and changes direction, making it difficult for the receiving team to read the serve and make an effective first pass. Some players hit float serves from a standing position, but taking a walking lead and jumping disguises the float serve. This causes the receiving team to think a more powerful serve is on the way, and they'll have to scramble to react to the fluttering ball. This element of surprise makes the jump float an effective weapon. Also, jumping to hit the float means it can go straight over the net and drop; hitting a jump float from a standing position requires the ball to go up to clear the net.
Considerations
The toss is the most important part of a jump float. You need to make a quiet, controlled toss so the ball goes straight up without any spin or unnecessary movement. The volleyball's air valve can also play a critical role in a float serve, with the valve's weight dictating direction. Positioning the valve on the left or right of the ball will cause the float to drift in that direction.
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