A serve not only starts the game but also has the potential to score a point immediately for your team. In addition to plenty of practice, there are various volleyball drills and exercises that help transform your serve into a force to be reckoned with. Gather a few of your volleyball team members to practice drills and incorporate plyometric exercises into your workout routine.
Around the World
Line up the team on one side of the volleyball net. One member of the team must go to the opposite side of the court and pick a spot to sit or stand. The first player in line must then serve the ball so that the player on the other side of the net is able to catch it without moving. When the player catches the serve, she moves to the serving line while the player who just served picks a new place to sit or stand.
Dead Fish
Separate the team into two groups on opposite sides of the net. One player on each team must serve at a time. If a player misses his serve, he must go and lie down on the other side of the court like a dead fish. In order to return teammates back in line, the serve rotates to the next teammate who needs to serve the ball over the net. If he makes the serve, the player lying on the ground can return back in the serving line. If he misses, he must lie down on the other side of the court as well. Continue this drill for three to five minutes. The team that has the most players standing wins.
Improve Vertical Jump
To improve the power of your jump serve, incorporate plyometric exercises into your workout routine. Stand on top of a box or step and place your feet close to the edge. Step down lightly onto the ground, landing on both feet, then jump up explosively, lifting both arms into the air. Or stand to the side of a box with one foot on top. Using the leg that is on the box, explosively jump up into the air, reaching your arms up for maximum air. Land on the box with your opposite leg.
Improve Serving Strength
Grab a teammate and a medicine ball and stand 10 to 15 feet apart. Place your feet slightly wider than your hips. Hold the ball in front of your chest and lower yourself into a squat, then, using your legs, drive your body up and toss the ball behind your head toward your partner. If you do not have a partner, perform the exercise as described but throw the ball straight up instead of behind you.
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