When first learning volleyball, players typically hit underhand serves, holding the ball in their left hand at hip height and then swinging their right hand underneath the ball to lift it over the net. While simple to hit, the underhand serve is also easy for the receiving team to handle, not providing much of an advantage for the serving team. Hitting an overhand serve can be a far more effective option.
Identification
In an overhand serve, the server tosses the ball in the air and then swats it with an overhand arm swing, using a similar motion to that of throwing a ball. The player can hit the overhand from a standing position or as part of a jump serve.
Function
To strike a right-handed overhand serve, stand with your left foot forward in a stride position and most of your weight on your back leg. Extend your left arm to hold the volleyball up and in front of your right shoulder. Draw back your right arm as you toss the ball 3 to 4 feet above your head. Now transfer your weight to your front foot as you swing your right arm forward, contacting the ball above your head and with an open palm. Remember to keep your eye on the ball and to swing through the ball for maximum power.
Benefits
The overhand serve generates far more power than the underhand serve, due in large part to the trajectory of each serve. An underhand serve first goes up and then comes down, clearing the net in a predictable, gentle arc and allowing the receiving team to make an effective first pass. In contrast, the overhand serve has very little arc and comes straight down from the net, dropping faster and giving the receiving team less time to prepare. A good overhand serve causes the receiving team to scramble and limits hitting options.
Considerations
Overhand serves can be either topspin serves, which have more power, or float serves, which flutter about unpredictably. Swinging through and striking the bottom half of the ball generate topspins, causing the ball to drop faster and with more force. Hitting the ball square in the middle and stopping your follow-through on contact limits the ball’s spin and causes it to float or flutter over the net, making it difficult for passers to read and creating confusion for the receiving team.
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