DEFINITION OF VOLLEYBALL AND A BRIEF

SUMMARY OF THE GAME

Volleyball

Volleyball is a net game played by males and females of all ages and abilities. The game is
usually played by two teams of six players on a side. The two teams hit a large ball with their
hands backward and forward over a high net, the aim being to score points by making the ball
reach/touch the ground on the opponent's playing area/side of the court before it can be returned.

In volleyball game a set of rules decide the score that each team is able to make against the other
team. The game begins with a player from one team hitting the ball using a hand over the net
from the service line or zone so that the opposite team can receive it on their court.

The receiving team will then prevent the received ball from hitting the ground so that it can be
thrown back to the other team with up to 3 touches from the team. A foul happens if one person
from the team touches the ball more than twice (double-hit) while it’s on their side of the net.
Also, a team scores a point by throwing the ball across the net to the other team’s side such that it
hits the ground directly or If the player fails to send it back over the net. A minimum of three sets
of twenty five points is played and the first team to reach/scoop the twenty-fifth point wins the
set. The teams will then switch sides.

Volleyball is played in different variations in different parts such as Indoor and outdoor games.
Outdoor volleyball is also played as beach volleyball on the beach. Indoor volleyball has six
players in each team while beach volleyball has even two persons in each team.

HISTORY OF VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball started in 1895 as a blend of basketball, baseball, tennis and handball by William G.
Morgan, a graduate of Springfield College who named the game ‘mintonette’. Morgan created
this game as a result of trying to get the local businessmen involved in the game of basketball to
play after work and at lunch time, but the game proved to be too strenuous and aggressive for
them. He looked for something better to replace the basketball game, that these older gentlemen
could play, something without too much "bumping" or "jolting" but a physical sport that should
provide exercise and relax them and have no physical contact.
So, he borrowed some ideas and materials from basketball, tennis, baseball and handball and used
them to build the game of volleyball. The basketball (ball) originally used proved to be a little too
heavy, and the subsequent use of a basketball bladder, too soft. Morgan remedied this by
contacting A.G. Spalding, a local sporting goods manufacturer who designed a special ball - a
rubber bladder, encased in leather, 25" or so in circumference. The "volleyball".

He then made few rules for the game. In July 7, 1896, Morgan was invited to give a
demonstration of the “mintonette” game. From what was shown about the ‘’mintonette’’ game Dr
Alfred Halstead, a professor at Springfield College, found the name "Volley Ball" suitable for the
game as the ball was volleyed over the net and that is why the game is called volleyball even
today.

In 1907 volleyball then became a well-known sport and it spread all over the World. In 1912
interpretations and editing of the rules for the game started and as a result a standardized playing
area (court) was used and players were required to rotate before a serve was done. Some
additional changes were also introduced such as setting the net to a height of eight feet, game
score at fifteen, the winner of the game the team that won two out of three games. After all the
changes made to the game of volleyball over the years, volleyball international organizations in
different parts of the World were formed. The United States Volleyball Association was formed in
1928 while the Federation International volleyball was founded in Paris in 1947. This resulted in
volleyball being played in Tokyo in 1964 in the Olympics. In 1969 the volleyball World cup was
introduced as an international event. By 1974 a major volleyball event was broadcasted in the
television by Japan in Mexico for the first time. Some big events took place in the 90s including
the establishment of annual competitions or men and women’s volleyball. These events and the
changing of rules on the game made volleyball to be seen and got well known to the public.

In 2006 price money became a major deal with $20 million dollars distributed among sixteen
participating teams from five continents. This price money motivated more participants and more
continents joined and expanded it more to becoming a popular world sport.

In Botswana volleyball came to be as a result of the military trainers who came to train the
military force. They then formed the BDF cats, this team attracted more people from outside the
military force to join in playing the game. The BDF cats team later got divided and formed
Mafolofolo, Kalavango and Kutlwano clubs. Due to the meaning o volleyball and how these
clubs were performing in our country, Botswana Volleyball Federation (B.V.F) was formed,
under Botswana National Sport Council (B.N.S.C) in order supervise, keep and maintain
volleyball plans, activities and records in Botswana. In 1979 B.V.F joined Botswana National
Olympic Committee (B.N.O.C.). They then joined again association with Federation of
International Volleyball (F.I.V.B) and Confederation of African Volleyball (C.A.V.B). the
constitution was set up to develop sports through competition and leisure activities aiming at
achieving a well-cultured and healthy environment.

Through this development, school leavers played an important role in the formation of volleyball
clubs in different villages around the country. B.V.F is training referees and coaches to equip the
volleyball administrators with skills and knowledge to develop the game to meet international
standards. Since 1988, B.V.F has been active in the Zone Six of the confederation of African
volleyball competitions. National teams also take part in competitions. Botswana has been doing
well over thears getting medals in each category. Clubs also participated regionally and
continentally and they have brought home some silverware.

B.V.F is currently carrying out developmental activities at grass root level. Workshops and
coaching courses are also held to transfer volleyball skills to students and teachers in schools and
as a result, volleyball is now being played in schools throughout the country including primary
schools, Junior and Secondary schools as well as tertiary schools.
Basic Volleyball Rules

• 6 players on the floor at any one time - 3 in the front row and 3 in the back row
 • Maximum of 3 hits per side

• Points are made on every serve for wining team of rally (rally-point scoring).

• Player may not hit the ball twice in succession. (A block is not considered a hit.)

• Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on a serve.

• A ball hitting a boundary line is in.

• A ball is out if it hits an antennae, the floor completely outside the court, any of the net or
cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, the ceiling above a non-playable
area.

• It is legal to contact the ball with any part of a player’s body.

• It is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball.

• A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line.

• After the serve, front-line players may switch positions at the net.

• Matches are made up of sets; the number depends on level of play. 3-set matches are 2 sets
to 25 points and a third set to 15. Each set must be won by two points. The winner is the
first team to win 2 sets. 5-set matches are 4 sets to 25 points and fifth set to 15. The team
must win by 2 unless tournament rules dictate otherwise. The winner is the first team to
win three sets.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations
Rule violations that result in a point for the opponent

• When serving, the player steps on or across the service line as while making contact with
the ball.

• Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully.

• Ball-handling errors. Contacting the ball illegally (double touching, lifting, carrying,
throwing, etc.)
• Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play.

• When blocking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, it’s illegal to contact the ball
when reaching over the net if both your opponent has not used 3 contacts AND they have a
player there to make a play on the ball.

• When attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, contacting the ball when
reaching over the net is a violation if the ball has not yet broken the vertical plane of the
net.

• Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body is a violation. Exception: if it is
the hand or foot. In this case, the entire hand or entire foot must cross for it to be a
violation.

• Serving out of rotation/order.

• Back-row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from the opponent) when, at the
 moment of contact, the back-row player is near the net and has part of his/her body above
the top of the net. This is an illegal block.

• Back-row player attacking a ball inside the front zone (the area inside the 3M/10-foot line)
when, at the moment of contact, the ball is completely above the net. This is an illegal
attack.
Basic Volleyball Court
The court diagram shows the official volleyball indoor and outdoor specifications. The official
indoor court dimension is 9 meters by 18 meters with an attack line 3 meters from the center line.

Basic Volleyball Terminology

Ace: A serve that results directly in a point, usually when the ball hits the floor untouched on the
receiving team’s side of the court.
Assist: Helping a teammate set up for a kill.
Attack: The offensive action of hitting the ball.
Attacker: Also “hitter” and “spiker.” A player who attempts to hit a ball offensively with the
purpose of terminating play.
Attack Block: The defensive team’s attempt to block a spiked ball.
Attack Error: An attack botched in one of 5 ways: ball lands out of bounds; ball goes into net;
attacker commits center line or net violation or attacker illegally contacts ball.
Attack Line: A line 3 meters/10 feet away from, and parallel to, the net. Separates the front-row
players from the back-row players. A back-row player cannot legally attack the ball above the net
unless he takes off from behind this line.
Back row/court: Space from baseline (endline) to attack line. There are 3 players whose court
positions are in this area (positions 1, 6 & 5 on court)
Back Row Attack: When a back-row player takes off from behind the attack line (10-foot/3-
meter) line and attacks the ball. Various terms A-B-C-D-PIPE-BIC.
Back set: Set delivered behind the setter.
Baseline: The back boundary of the court. Also called the end line
Block: One of the 6 basic skills. A defensive play by one or more front-row players meant to
intercept a spiked ball. The combination of one, 2 or 3 players jumping in front of the opposing
spiker and contacting the spiked ball with the hands.
Blocking Error: Touching the net, crossing the centerline, blocking a set or serve or any other
“local” violation that occurs while making a block attempt.
Center line: The boundary that runs under the net and divides the court into two equal halves.
Closing the block: The responsibility of the assisting blocker(s) to angle their body relative to
the first blocker.
“Cover”: Refers to the hitter having his/her teammates ready to retrieve rebounds from the
opposing blockers.
Cross-court attack: An attack directed diagonally from the point of attack. Also called an angle
hit.
Cut shot: A spike from the hitter’s strong side that travels at a sharp angle across the net.
Deep: Refers to sending the ball away from the net, toward the baseline of the opponent’s court.
Defense: One of the 6 basic skills. The key skills used to receive the opponent's attack are
digging and sprawling. The dig resembles a forearm pass from a low ready position and is used
more for balls that are hit near the defender. The sprawl is a result of an attempted dig for a ball
hit farther away from the defender. It resembles a dive.
Dig: Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball and low to ground. Defensive play. Slang for retrieving
an attacked ball close to the floor. Statistically scored on a 3.0 point system.
Dink: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a tip.
Double block: Two players working in unison to intercept a ball at the net.
Double hit: Violation. Two successive hits by the same player.
Down Ball: Type of attack. “Down” refers to the blockers who neither jump, nor raise their hands
above the net.
Dump: Usually performed by the setter, who delivers the ball into the opponent’s court on the
second contact.
Five-One (5-1): An offensive system that uses five hitters and one setter.
Floater: A serve with no spin so the ball follows an erratic path.
Follow: To move with and block an attacker. Athletes may change positions with another blocker
in the process.
Forearm Pass: Sometimes referred to as the “pass,” “bump” or “dig”.
Four-Two (4-2): An offensive system using four hitters and two setters.
Free ball: Returning the ball to the opponent without the intent to get a kill. Usually a slow,
arcing pass or “roll” shot rather than a spike.
Front: Position of a blocker so that she/he can block the attacker.
Front-row: Three players whose court position is in front of the attack line (3M/10 Foot), near
the net. These players are in positions 2, 3 & 4 on the court.
Game plan: Offensive and defensive emphasis for an opponent. Usually organized for each
rotation by the coaching staff.
Held ball: A ball that comes to rest during contact resulting in a violation.
Hit: One of the 6 basic skills. To jump and strike the ball with an overhand, forceful shot.
Hitter: Also “spiker” or “attacker.” The player who is responsible for hitting the ball.
Hitting percentage: A statistic derived from total kills minus total attack errors, divided by total
attempts.
Joust: When 2 opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball to
momentarily come to rest; the point is replayed if this is called by the official.
Jump serve: The server uses an approach, toss, takeoff and serves the ball with a spiking motion
while in the air. There are two main types: jump float, jump spin.
Key player/play : To discern a team’s best player or probable next play by observation of patterns
or habits.
Kill: An attack that results directly in a point or sideout.
Libero: A player specialized in defensive skills. This player must wear a contrasting jersey color
from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height.
When the ball is not in play, the libero can replace any back-row player without prior notice to the
officials.
Lines: The marks that serve as boundaries of a court. 2 inches (5cm) wide.
Linesman: Officials located at the corners of the court; each linesman is responsible for ruling if
the ball is legally in play along the lines for which he or she is responsible. For indicating touches
and play outside of the antennae on their side of net.
Lineup: Players starting rotation and, therefore, serving order. Numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Line serve: A straight-ahead serve landing near the opponent’s left sideline.
Line shot: A ball spiked along an opponent’s sideline, closest to the hitter and outside the block.
Load: Body position for the blockers so that they are most effective.
Middle back: A defensive system that uses the middle back player in 6 to cover deep spikes.
Also called “6 back” defense.
Middle blocker: Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves laterally
to her blocking assignments.
Middle Up: A defensive system that uses the middle-back player in 6 to cover tips or short shots
along the 3 meter/10 foot line. Also called a “6 up” defense
Mintonette: The original name of the game of volleyball, created by William Morgan.
Net Height: Women – 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches high (2.24m),
Men – 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches high (2.43m).
Off-blocker: Outside blocker not included in the double block. Also called off-side blocker.
Off-Speed Shots: An attack that is intentionally slow. Ball spiked with less than maximum force
but with spin. Also called “roll” shot.
Opposite: Player who plays opposite the setter in the rotation. In some systems, this player is
also a setter. In other systems, this player is called a right-side.
Outside hitter: Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row. Also called right-side
(opposite) or left side (power).
Overhand pass: A pass with both hands open that is controlled by the fingers, with the face
below the ball. Both hands simultaneously contact the ball above the head and direct it to the
intended target.
Overhand serve: Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder. Float or spin.
Overlap: A violation called if a team is lined up out of rotation when the ball is served.
Overpass: A ball passed across the net.
Overset: An errant set that crosses the net without being touched by another offensive player.
Pass: One of the 6 basic skills. Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to
control the ball to another player. Also called a “bump”.
Pancake: One-hand floor defensive technique where the hand is extended and slid along the floor
palm down while the player dives or extension rolls so the ball bounces off the back of the hand
and is considered legal.
Party ball: When the ball is passed across the net in front of attack line so the front-row attacker
can immediately hit the ball on the first contact.
Penetration: The blocker’s ability to reach over the net above the opponent’s court.
Perimeter: Backcourt defense where 4 players arrange themselves near the boundaries of the
court.
Pipe: A back-row attack from the middle of the court. Position 6.
Play: An attack with a planned fake, usually including 2 or more hitter.
Quick set: An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent’s block. Can be set at any
position on the net.
Rally scoring: Scoring method where points can be won by the serving or receiving team.
Ready position: The flexed, yet comfortable, posture a player assumes before moving to the
point of contact.
Red card: Given by the official to a player or coach for flagrant misconduct resulting in a
point/side out to the opponent. Results in automatic ejection and a point/side out for the opponent.
Roof: To block a spike, usually straight down for a point.
Rotation: The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving position
following a side out. Players must retain their initial rotational order throughout the entire game,
but once the ball is contacted on serve they are allowed to move anywhere.
Seam: The mid-point between 2 players.
Serve: One of the 6 basic skills. Used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill controlled
exclusively by one player.
Set: One of the 6 basic skills. The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a
player can spike it into the opponent’s court. Sets can be set at different heights and different
locations on the net and offensively there are names for each of these. First number is location on
net and second number height of set. (Example: 13.) Sets can also be named.
Set attack: When a setter attempts to score rather than set the ball to a setter. Also called a shoot
set. Setter: The second passer whose job it is to position a pass to the hitter.
Shallow: Near the net.
Shank: Severely misdirected pass.
Side out: Change of service when a serving team has failed to score a point. Occurs when the
receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the
serving team, or when the serving team commits an unforced error.
Six-pack: Being hit in the face with the ball.
Six-two (6-2): An offense with four spikers and two spiker/setters. Setter comes from the back
row.
Slide/step: A quick attack behind the setter.
Spike: Also called a hit or attack. A ball contacted with force by a player on the offensive team
who intends to terminate the ball on the opponent’s floor or off the opponent’s blocker.
Split block: A double-block that leaves a space between the blockers.
Stuff: A ball deflected back to the attacking team’s floor by the opponent’s blockers.
Substitution: Allows one player to replace another player already on the court. Rules dictate
number of subs each team is allowed.
Switch: To change court positions after a ball is served to facilitate strongest player positions.
Tandem: A combination in which one player attacks immediately behind another.
Tape: The top of the net.
Telegraph: To show one’s intention to the opponents.
Three-meter line: The line extended across the court to signify the point which a back-row
player must leave the ground behind to attack the ball. Also call “attack line” and 10-foot line
Tip: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a dink.
Tool: When an attacker hits the ball off an opposing blocker’s arms out of bounds. Also called a
wipe.
Touch: A player contacting the ball on the defensive play.
Transition: To switch from offense to defense and vice versa.
Triple-block: Block formed by all 3 front-row players.
Underhand serve: A serve performed with an underhand striking action. The ball is usually
contacted with the heel of the hand.
W serve-receive formation: Three players in the front row, two in the back.
Wipe: To deliberately spike the ball off an opponent’s hands and out of bounds. Also called a
tool.
Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach as a warning of misconduct. Two yellow
cards result in an automatic red card.

SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL

The basic skills in volleyball center around serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking and
digging. Volleyball players are skilled in all of these areas, but most of them excel in one specific
skill.

SERVING
A sHYPERLINK "https://sites.google.com/a/frco.k12.va.us/fcvball/skills/serving" erve is used to
put the ball in play or start a rally. The action is done with arm swing that sends the ball
over the net into the opponent's court. Serving is the most important skill of the game. It is
the first offensive weapon and there are no other things involved other than the player and
the ball. It is very important that a player takes their time, focus, concentrate, and
be aggressive. The player who serves is called a “server”

Service Areas

There are six numbered service areas on the court. Your coach or your team may want you
to serve to a certain person if they are a weak passer or if you want to slow a player down to
make them less available to hit the ball on the third contact. The service areas split the court
in to six sections starting with area one in deep left and are numbered counter clockwise.
Some coaches may number the areas clockwise, but counter clockwise is the most common.
CLASSIFICATION OF SERVES
Deep and Short Serve
Deep serves land in the back half of the court in areas 1, 5, and 6. Short serves, on the other
hand, land in the front half of the court in areas 2, 3, and 4.

Short serves are the most difficult to handle if they land in front of the 10-foot or three-
meter line. In order to do that you will need to take some power off the ball and get more of
an arc on your serve than if you are aiming deep. A good deep serve clears the net by a
couple of feet or less and lands near the back line.
Types of serves
Underhand serve

The Underhand Serve

This serve is used mainly in recreational volleyball. It is for begginners as it is the
easiest to learn. It does not require the level of skill or coordination that the other
types o serves do.
With one foot stepped back, hold the ball in an opposite hand. Then with your other
hand fisted, shift your weight forward and hit the ball just below the center of the
the ball.

STEPS IN EXECUTING THE UNDERHAND/ARM SERVE

Use your dominant hand to strike the ball. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with
your non-dominant foot forward.

Hold the ball in your opposite hand, cupping the ball like on a golf tee. Hold the ball low, at
around waist level and out in front of yourself.

You should have the same foot forward as the side of the hand holding the ball. For example, a
right-handed player will hold the ball in their left hand and their left foot will be forward. This is
important for having balance and generating power.

Make a fist with your hitting hand and swing back and strike the ball on the underside using the
flat palm side of your fist. You want to create as flat a surface as you can with your fist so that the
ball flies straight.

The swing needs to be through the ball – swing as if the ball is further away, don’t let the hand
stop immediately on contact. Finally, make sure that your swing is coming up as your fist makes
contact with the underside of the ball, you want it to be in an upward motion, almost like a boxer
doing an uppercut punch so that the ball is sent on an upward path, not just straight.

Overhead/ overhand Serve

This serve is used mainly in competitive volleyball.Various forms of the overhand serve include
the floater serve, the topspin serve and the jump serve. All these types of serves require the player
to make contact with the ball over their head.

The following instructions are for a right-handed server. Left-handed should do the opposite
The Toss

Get in position by standing behind the end line with your left foot and hip slightly ahead of your
right. Point your front foot forward and position your back foot pointing slightly to the right to
keep you balanced.

Arm Position

• Place the ball in the palm of your left hand. Your left palm should be facing up.

• Place your right hand on top of the ball. Your right palm should be facing down.

• Hold your arms out towards the court with a slight bend in your elbows for comfort and
your left shoulder slightly in front of your right just like your feet and your hips.

Starting Position

Draw your right elbow straight back with your palm still facing down until your thumb is in line
with your ear. If you are in the correct position, your thumb should only be a couple inches to the
right of your ear and your forearm should be parallel to the floor.

Form and Process

• Lower your left hand slightly and push the ball up in the air. The ball should come off
your palm with no spin. Do not let it roll off of your fingers.

• Toss the ball about two feet above your head directly in line with your right arm. If you
let your toss drop, it should land about a foot in front of you on your right side. You will
be taking a step forward with your left foot as you serve, so it is important that your toss
be just in front of you, not behind or too far in front so that you have to chase it.
• Practice your toss repeatedly so that you can do it the same way every time. If you make
a bad toss, just let it drop. It is legal in volleyball to do so, and you’ll get a second chance
to get it right. But make sure your second toss is good because you will have to serve this
one.
Serving Motion
Unlike when you are hitting, you do not need to contact the ball at the top of your reach and
swing in a downward motion. You need the ball to travel 30 feet forward just to get to the net. To
hit the back line it needs to travel 60 feet. Contact the ball with a slightly bent elbow and put
enough power behind it to get it up and over the net but inside the lines.

Serving the Ball

• As you toss the ball with your left hand, bring your right hand up and back so that your
palm is now facing the net and your forearm is perpendicular to the floor.
• Step straight forward with your left foot and as you swing your arm, bring your hips
around until they are square to the net to get a little more power.

• Keep your eye on the ball and strike it just above and in front of your head with the palm
of your hand. When you contact the ball make sure to spread your fingers, keep your
hand and wrist stiff and strike the middle of the back of the ball solidly.
Placement
Once you can consistently get the ball over the net and into the court, it is time to work on your
placement. A good server can control exactly where the ball lands.
Floater- it is the most used serve in competition, the ball is hit with a punching hit instead of a
follow through. The ball should have no stabilizing spin and will dart like a knuckleball. Some
say to hold the valve in the direction you want to curve to.

A good float serve or floater is a necessary tool to have. If you are playing in a drafty gym, a float
serve can be a killer because it has no spin. The air catches it and can move it in many directions
as it crosses over to your opponent's side of the net. Some serves float and then drop suddenly,
making it extremely difficult for a passer to handle.
The float serve is all about your touch on the ball which can be difficult to explain and just as
difficult to understand at first. But start with these steps and keep trying until you get the feel for
it and you'll see your ball start to move.
• Starting Position.
Hold the ball in your left palm if you are right- handed (left-handed do the opposite.)
Find the airhole in your ball and place the airhole down on your palm. The reason that
you do this is because the airhole is the heaviest part of the ball and having it at the
bottom facilitates the ability of the ball to float.
• Strike with a Firm Palm.
As you go through the steps of serving the ball, make sure that you prepare to contact the
ball with a firm and stiff palm. You need to hit the ball with a pop, sort of like a clap. In
fact, practice having a firm palm by striking your hands together in a clap. Connect with
your palms only as you do not want to contact the ball with your fingers.
• Contact the Middle of the Ball.
Strike the middle of the back of the ball with the middle of your palm. The key to getting
the ball to float is to strike and pull back. Do not follow through as you would on
a topspin serve. Just a quick, firm contact on the middle of the ball will send it over with
no spin and if it catches some air, all the better to float with.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SERVING
You should be looking at the contact as your hand hits the ball. Not keeping your eye on the ball
is one of the biggest causes for mishit serves.

You need to choose a target. Even if you’re a beginner who is simply trying to get the ball over
the net, pinpoint your ideal spot that you’re aiming for. For advanced servers, whether you’re
choosing a weak player or a corner or a seam between players, pick the specific spot.

You have to stand completely behind the end line (the back line of the court) and stay behind it
until the ball has been struck. You may stand anywhere from the left side of the court to the right.

Although the right-hand corner has traditionally been considered the server’s corner, the rules
have changed to make serving fair between right-handed and left-handed players. If you typically
struggle to keep the ball in bounds to one side or the other, simply move your body further down
the line when you begin to set up for your serve. Don’t be shy about this, some of the best
volleyball athletes in the world use this technique to control their serves.

The Floater Serve

The floater is one of the two main overhand serves. You will begin by facing the net with your
feet slightly apart, non-dominant foot forward. Most of your weight should be on your back foot.

Begin with the ball in your non-dominant hand and a great tip is to start with the air hole of the
ball in your palm. If you begin this way the ball is going to start with the heaviest part of the ball
pointing down, which makes it more likely to “float” or drift in the air.

As you toss it straight up, don’t launch it high into the air, you simply want to raise it quickly to
the height your arm can extend for your overhand swing, so usually 12 to 18 inches above your
tossing hand.

You should be releasing the toss about level with your head. So the ball will be placed in front of
your hitting shoulder and you will be stepping into it with your swing.

Now step forward and swing with an open palm, fingers spread. You want to slap the ball with
your firm palm (not your fingers) and pop it, making contact right in the center of the back of the
ball. This gives the ball a punch and no particular spin.

It’s critical that you do not snap your wrist as you do this serve. When it’s sailing through the
air it is hard to predict and anticipate exactly where it will go because any draft in the air can
cause it to shift. The ball often can weave or bob or even just die (drop suddenly) which makes it
challenging to play for your opponents.

A really good floater will have a pretty flat trajectory, not a rainbow shape. While it’s always
tempting as a server to have the mindset that a harder serve is harder to return, the floater is
actually the opposite.

The softer you hit it, the more movement and the more unpredictable it can turn out. This is like
the pitcher who uses a change-up in baseball. Everyone gets used to hard, fast and straight, then
you pop them with a floater.

The Topspin Serve

The topspin serve is probably the most common overhand serve. You will begin in the same
position as the floater serve, but disregard the airhole of the ball.

For this serve, you will toss a little higher and a little more directly above your hitting shoulder
than the floater toss. This gives your hand just a little longer to snap your wrist and get that
topspin going. Contact the ball higher on the backside of the ball, a little below the middle.

You will snap your wrist like you’re trying to wrap your hand over the top of the ball. This will
give it the topspin. It’s important that you follow through with this serve, that ensures the spin and
increases the velocity.

Once you are consistent at hitting your topspin serve, start tossing the ball with some topspin. You
can easily do this by flicking your wrist toward yourself as you toss. This gets the ball already
moving with the spin your hand will be making, which just adds to the ball’s momentum.
The topspin serve is more predictable in its trajectory than the floater which makes it easier for
defenders to know how to receive. The difficulty comes from the power (and speed) that you can
serve with because the topspin will help the ball curl down after it crosses the net instead of
sailing to the back wall of the gym.

You have the potential with some really strong spin to get some aces in 2 situations: players may
think the ball will go out, but it drops just inside the line and players think they’re in position to
receive and the ball drops just out of reach in front of them.

The topspin serve is more suited to serve deep into the court and it’s easier to hit specific spots
because the ball’s flight is more consistent.

The Jump Serve

Jump serves are very advanced and should only be attempted by players who are consistent with
their regular standing version. Jump serves can either be a jump floater or a jump topspin.

Basically, these serves are the same except you start several paces behind the service line and
perform an approach and a jump. You will do a left, right, left approach just like when hitting.

You will toss just as you begin your approach and significantly higher than the other tosses
because the ball has to hang in the air long enough for you to meet it. You can use either hand (or
both) for the toss.

Jump serves can be incredibly intimidating for many players!

Your toss is the most challenging part to master. If you can make your toss consistent, then
approaching consistently becomes much more manageable.

You have to jump before the end line. You are allowed to land inside the court after hitting your
serve.

What makes the jump serve so difficult is that you have so many moving parts. Any of the other
serves you can focus on just making a solid contact. With jump serves you have to worry about a
more challenging toss, a correct approach and the timing of it all.

If the jump serve is so difficult the master, why try it at all?

• More power – when you start at a run, you’re transferring more power into your serve which
brings the speed of the ball even higher.

• Better angle – even though it’s only slight, when you jump and meet the ball in the air you
are serving at a better angle to bring the ball down sharply on the other side of the net.

• It’s intimidating – even if the serve is relatively the same, it’s intimidating to watch the
server take a run and launch. Passers have to overcome the nerves of facing that coming
towards them.

Need More Power on Your Serve?

Do you want to hit your serves with more power? One of the key coaching tips that often goes
unmentioned is to use your core. When you are serving, it’s not just about how hard you swing
your arm. It’s actually about arching your back, pushing with your legs and doing a quick crunch
motion with your abs. You can generate so much more power and keep from wearing your arm
out so quickly.

Serves in Beach Volleyball

A Strong Server
In beach volleyball, a stronger server can be even more of a gamechanger than in the indoor
version of the sport. A great server indoors will only be allowed to serve once for every 6
positions that the team rotates through.

In the beach game, there are only two people per team, so a great server makes up half the service
rotation possibilities. Volleyball has always been a game that’s easily taken over by a player or
team getting on a streak. Beach volleyball is a wide open opportunity for serving streak.

In beach volleyball, the wind becomes a major factor with your serve. You have to consider not
just how hard to swing depending on the strength and direction of the wind, but also how the
wind direction will affect the flight of the ball. Many beach players will only use their floater
when there is little to no wind. This is when the floater can really dance and be difficult to handle.
Under windy conditions, a topspin serve is often best because you can control the ball better by
giving it the spin you want and serving with enough power to overcome what the wind would
likely do to the ball.

The Skyball Serve

The skyball serve is a unique serve that’s pretty rare. Adrian Carambula popularized the Skyball
during the lead up to the Rio 2016 Olympics. His method looks very unpredictable and it
produces that kind of result. He describes his technique as “stay loose and let it just come
natural.” Because there’s no ceiling in beach volleyball, he hits it sometimes as high as 100 feet in
the air so that the ball is coming directly down on his opponents. While this might sound like a
freeball, it actually presents several challenges.

• Players rarely see it and can find it puzzling.

• The elements can really cause problems (for example staring into the sun, rain could be
sprinkling down as you’re looking up and the wind has a long time to affect the ball).
Some players serve a sky ball with no spin, so it will imitate a floater only traveling almost
straight down. The ball will bob and weave and juke in the air, making it difficult to pass. Others
have learned to put backspin on the ball which gives the receiver a totally bizarre challenge. The
ball can be drifting back towards the net (towards the server) as it’s coming down.

Additional Pointers and Guidelines for the Serve

The direction of the serve should be:
• To a weak player.

• To any substitute

• Where any player is not.

• To any player who missed or messed up the last play.

 • To large open areas.

• To the perimeter of the court.

• Into the setter lanes or between players

• Away from their strong players.
• Where a coach has directed you to serve the ball according to numbers on the court.

Make sure your serve goes in when:

• The first serve of the game for your team.

• After a time out or substitution.

• When the teammate before you made a bad serve.

• After winning a long rally.

• After any block for a point.

• Game point either way.

• Whenever you have fallen behind by three points.

• Whenever either team is within 3 points from winning.

• After scoring three consecutive points.

• After the opponent has scored more than two points in a row.

Serving

All volleyball players should know proper techniques for serving floaters and jump serves.
Servers should spend time practicing a pre-serve routine. Developing a routine will help servers
focus and be ready to serve.

The basic volleyball techniques for serving are...

• Toss the ball in front of your serving shoulder.

• Keep your elbow high and back.

• Contact the middle of the ball with the middle of your hand.

• Follow through on your arm swing.

These are just guidelines. If you have better success serving a different way, that's fine, do what
works best.

A clean solid contact is key to a good floater. I know when I'm struggling getting a solid contact
on my float serve, I'll contact the ball with more of a bent elbow.

I feel this gives me a little more of a window for adjusting to the height of the toss to get that
solid contact.

For example, if I were to try and contact the ball with an extend arm every time I serve, the height
of my toss would be more critical to getting a good solid contact.

PASSING
Is when sending a ball from one team mate to another or from a team to another team.
There are three main types of passes in the game of volleyball: bump, set and spike. Each team is
allowed a maximum of three hits before they have to send the ball back over the net. A team will
typically try to fulfill the passing strategy of bump-set-spike, although a block is an additional
move in volleyball also used alongside the others as a defensive mechanism.

DIGGING/FOREARM PASS/BUMP

The Dig/forearm pass/ bump is the basic pass in volleyball. It is used when receiving a serve or
reacting to an opponent’s attack. The player should be holding his arms away from the body at a
90-degree angle with his hands together. Knees should be bent. The ball comes in contact with the
lower forearms just above the wrist. After contact, the arms should point toward the target. Over-
swinging the arms is a common mistake when perfecting the bump, as is contacting the ball with
the wrists or hands. The first bump of a volley should be aimed at a setter so he can set up the
volleyball for the spike.

OVERHEAD PASS/ VOLLEYING

Generally speaking when the ball is high above the player’s shoulders/head, player should pass
the ball with overhead pass (taking into consideration that the serve is not extremely powerful).

• Keep the fingers "more tighten up", more stiff and hands maybe slightly closer together
compared to regular setting.
The volleyball travels faster on volleyball serve, therefore the adjustment is necessary.

• Player should use overhead passing especially on the short serves since the volleyball is
not traveling that fast with them
 • The player should use overhead passing when the ball travels above the head. Just notice
that hard jump serves can be impossible to pass with overhead pass

• When performing overhead pass, the passer has to get directly under the ball. It is very
difficult trying to perform overhead pass unless the ball is directly above your forehead.

The overhead volleyball serve receive is

• usually more accurate and easier method to pass a high-flying ball to the setter

• a little bit faster way to get the ball from the passer to the setter

• helps to receive the serves that are traveling high above the passer’s shoulders or head.
SETTING

A set is typically a front-line pass, or a move done by players who are positioned near the net.
Knees should be bent and hands extended 4 to 6 inches above the head. The fingers should be
spread to imitate the shape of the ball; make a triangle with the thumbs and first fingers. The ball
will make contact with the fingers right above the hairline. Then the arms are extended in the
direction the player wishes the ball to go. Freeze the motion when the arms are fully extended.
This pass must be done with coordination to avoid holding the ball. The ball cannot come to rest
at any point during a volley.

HITTING/SPIKING
The spike is an intense move in volleyball involving a player who is near the net. The purpose is
to send the ball over the net and toward the floor so the opposing team has no time to save it
before it touches the ground. The player should approach with two preparatory steps before a
jump. The jump is straight up; the elbow should be raised level with the shoulder. The forearm
should keep up with the hand near the head in an open and relaxed position. Contact with the
volleyball is made with the palm of the hand. The elbow should swing forward and the player
should apply force. Follow-through with the motion is critical to strength and speed. It is illegal
to hit the ball with a closed fist, and players should avoid a shot-put or tennis serve action,
according to Volleyball World Wide.

BLOCKING
A block is a defensive move used when the other team attempts to spike the ball. The player must
be right next to the net and jump at the same time with the opposing player, to successfully block
a spike. Hands are used to extend the height of the net, and fingers should be in a spread about the
width of the ball. Arms are locked and when possible, players should try to reach slightly over the
net with their hands to send the ball back on the opponents side. Touching the net is illegal and
will end the volley. When blocking, it is essential that the body be square with the net; players
positioned along the net often stand with their hands up and ready to block an attack

Strengths & Weaknesses

There are two sides to all of us. Some of us are better at spotting strength in ourselves, and some
are more comfortable focusing on our weakness. It’s important to acknowledge room for growth
as well as talents.

What They Need

This section is for coaches and parents. Learn what you can do to help your young athlete grow
and thrive.

Mental Toughness Tip

This section is for athletes. Find out what mental toughness technique will help you maximize
your performance.

1. THE STAR

Strengths

• This player is full of natural talent, doesn’t have to try as hard as some others
do, and makes it look easy.

• Everyone aspires to be like this person.

Weaknesses
 • Can cause jealousy in teammates.

• Because skill comes naturally to this athlete, he or she might not be as good at
pushing through when things get tough.

What They Need

• Challenges. This athlete needs to gain experience working hard, whether on the
court or not.

• Humility. Help them discover room for improvement. Don’t focus too much
attention on talent, applaud efforts, not outcomes.

• Perspective. Give them leadership roles so they can work with others and see
that skill doesn’t come to everyone as easily.

Mental Toughness Tip

• Grow. Know your strengths, but embrace room for growth and challenge.

• Stretch. It’s easy to be good without trying. If you want to be great, you have to
be willing to get outside your comfort zone. Do things that make you nervous,
put in more effort, aim higher until you feel yourself stretching, otherwise you
risk complacency.

2. THE PERFECTIONIST

Strengths

• Works as hard, if not harder than most of his or her teammates.

• Sets lofty goals, and wants to be the best.

• Often good at lifting other people up.

• This player really cares about volleyball – maybe too much.

Weaknesses

• Stress. The amount of pressure they put on themselves can take the fun out of
the game.

• This player hardly ever lives up to their expectations, often falling just short.

• Makes simple mistakes as a result of getting anxious or overly invested in the

outcome.
What They Need

• Unconditional love.

• A reminder that they are acceptable and loveable no matter how well they do.

• A relaxing, low-pressure environment. This player is already highly critical of

their performance. Too much negative feedback from others can send them over
the edge.

Mental Toughness Tip

• Goal setting. Set achievable goals that focus on doing your personal best, and
parts of the game that you have control over (not ones that compare you to other
people).
• Relax. Take slow deep breaths and release the tension in your shoulders before
each serve.

3. THE CLUTZ

Strengths

• Creative. They’re used to having to modify things to accommodate their

injuries/setbacks.

• They often have a sense of humor about their streak of bad luck.

Weaknesses

• This player get discouraged by setbacks. Comparing themselves to their peers

and where they “should” be in their training can be disheartening.

• Tends to dwell on what’s wrong, rather than what’s going well.

• Often attention-seeking by nature. Sometimes kids subconsciously hurt

themselves (or overly react to minor pain) because of an underlying need for
support and attention.

What they need

• Care. Always allow the doctor to take the lead on any injuries and follow their
instructions on returning to competition.
 • Attention. Often, as children, we learn that being sick or injured gets us
attention. Notice them when they’re healed too, maybe they will stay healthy
longer.

• Positive reinforcement. Sometimes their story “I’m so unlucky” permeates into

every area of their lives. Point out their effort and how hard they’re trying
despite their setbacks.

Mental toughness tip

• Visualization. Imagine yourself doing skills and drills that you can’t fully
participate in. Use all of your senses and make it as real as possible. Your brain
and muscles will communicate with each other as if you’re really training.

• Focus on what you can control, not the past or the future.
4. THE SLACKER

Strengths

• This player knows how to get the most done with the least effort – you gotta hand
it to them, they’re efficient!

• They have a knack for making things a little easier, and pulling it off under the
wire.

Weaknesses

• They don’t get the full benefit of learning/training.

• They bring the team down if it’s obvious they don’t put in as much effort as their
teammates.
• They can be seen as lazy.

What they need

• Positive reinforcement. There’s nothing that eats away at motivation more than
negative comments and sarcasm. When kids are punished for being “lazy,” they
have even less fun, and feel bad about themselves.

• Inspiration. Find a way to lift them up an inspire them to work hard. Then let
them know when you notice them doing well.

Mental toughness tip

 • Motivation. Find your “why.” Why do you want to work harder? What is your
ultimate goal? When you know what you’re working toward, you’re much more
willing to endure some discomfort or hard work along the way.

5. THE CLOWN

Strengths

• Keeps practice light and fun, doesn’t get too stressed about games.

• Helps teammates have a good time.

• Able to let things roll off their back.

Weaknesses

• Focus. This player is easily distracted.

• Social approval is a big motivator – they are concerned with what people think of
them, which can lead to self-sabotaging behavior.

What they need

• Attention. If you see them contributing to the team in a positive way, let them
know. When you focus on reprimanding distracting or disruptive behavior, it
will persist.

• Calm energy. Take a moment and have everyone ground their feet and take a
breath if things are getting out of control. Everyone can benefit from a little time
out.

• An outlet. If an outgoing person is always being told to be quiet, they lose

motivation. Give them a time to have fun, then it’s time to be serious.

Mental toughness tip

• Find a leadership role. Volunteer to help with an important task. That way your
focus is channeled into being helpful and you still get the attention you feed off
of.

• Motivate others. You’re likeable and fun – use it for good, not evil!

6. EEYORE

Strengths
 • Slow & steady.

• Not a grandstander.

• Consistent.

• Humble.

Weaknesses

• Sets the bar low, doesn’t expect much of themselves.

• Often doesn’t live up to his or her potential.

What they need

• Neutral feedback. Stick to the facts. Help this player realize what is going well.
But don’t do too much cheerleading – they will be skeptical of overly positive
feedback.

Mental toughness tip

• Neutralize negative thoughts. When a negative thought comes up, catch it, and
replace it with a neutral or positive factual statement.

• Example:

• Negative – “I’ll never be as good as so & so”

• Neutral – “I’m working hard to improve”

• Positive – “I’m getting better every day”

• Note: with practice, everyone can start to think positively, but it’s a process to
reprogram a lifelong pattern of negative thinking.

7. THE TEACHER’S PET

Strengths

• Always willing to help out or demonstrate.

• Helpful with new kids.

• Do what they’re asked and set a good example.

Weaknesses
 • Desperately seeking approval.

• Only feel good about themselves when they are validated by other people.

What they need

• Unconditional love. Let them know that they’re inherently valuable, no matter
how well they play.

• Positive feedback, compliments.

Mental toughness tip

• Self-care. Being kind to yourself is really important to people who are

“helpers.” Remember to always put on your own oxygen mask before helping
others!

• Some ideas for self-care: start a compliment file, meditate for 5 minutes, take
some deep breaths, pet a puppy, ask for help.

8. CAPTAIN BOSSYPANTS

Strengths

• A natural leader, he or she takes charge when necessary.

• Good at keeping things going if a coach or parent can’t keep an eye on everyone.

• Wants his or her team to do well.

Weaknesses

• Critical and judgmental of others and themselves.

• The added pressure of making sure others are doing the right thing can be a
distraction from their own training efforts.

What they need

• Opportunities to lead, and opportunities to be led.

• It can be stressful always being in charge, even if they put themself in that
position. It’s good practice to let someone else do the leading, even though it can
be uncomfortable.
Mental toughness tip

• Learn to accept imperfection – from others and yourself. When someone falls
short of your expectations, notice your reaction, then let it go.

• Be patient. Practice listening and letting others have a chance to take charge,
even if you think you could do better.

9. THE SQUEAKYWHEEL

Strengths

• Always willing to volunteer and contribute.

• Direct and honest.

• Lets others know when they need something.

• Good at communicating their needs.

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t share well with others.

• Lacking in empathy or compassion for others.

• Can be selfish at times.

What they need

• Patience. Acknowledge their contribution/question and let them know you will
get back to them after you’ve had a chance to help the other kids. Be kind and
help them practice waiting for your attention, then give it to them when it’s their
turn.

• Attention/positive reinforcement – pay attention to good behavior, ignore

disruptive behavior – they will learn over time that their positive contributions
get them what they want.

Mental toughness tip

• Mindfulness. Learn to be aware of the whole picture – what are the needs of the
team as a whole? What does it feel like to wait? Can you wait with a calm
 mind?

• If attention and help are not available right away, can you find a
creative solution to your problem?

10. THE MOUSE

Strengths

• Respectful of teammates.

• Kind and considerate.

• Good at sharing, working together with others.

• Patient.

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t ask for the help they want or need.

• Doesn’t get the same amount of coaching or feedback as their squeaky wheel
teammates.

What they need

• Confidence. They are often nervous that speaking up will make other people
think poorly of them.

• Let them know what they’re doing well, thank them for their dedication
and encourage them to try a leadership role from time to time.

Mental toughness tip

• Speak up. Practice speaking your mind at least once a day.

• Act as if. Watch what other, more confident teammates do, and “fake it till you
make it.” Stand tall, shoulders back, speak slowly and with purpose – see how it
feels, keep practicing. Even though you may never be just like those people, it
will get more comfortable to speak up and ask for what you need.

11. THE TORTOISE

Strengths

• Consistency. This player may not be the best one on the team, but they are
 steadily plodding along, always working toward improvement.

• Doesn’t demand too much of teammates or coaches.

• Not outwardly stressed out.

Weaknesses

• It can be hard to stay motivated when other people are improving at a faster pace.

• Might be silently feeling frustrated and “less than.”

What they need

• Reassurance that they’re on the right track, that training will pay off.

• Acceptance. Not everyone learns and improves at the same pace. But, everyone
has a positive contribution to make – let them know that they are a great example
of perseverance.

Mental toughness tip

• Confidence. Find successes in every practice/performance. Don’t just depend

on times to tell you if you did a good job.

• Set out to achieve your personal best every day.

• Notice examples of other tortoises who succeed, have faith that you are on the
same path.

• Comparing yourself to others is a losing proposition. It’s like comparing other

people’s highlight reel to your bloopers.
• Compare = despair – just don’t do it.

12. THE DIEHARD

Strengths

• Passionate, driven. This player knows what they want and they will stop at
nothing to get it.

• Courage. The desire to succeed is stronger than their fears.

• Can-do attitude.
 • Confidence. There is an underlying belief that the challenge is within his or her
reach.

Weaknesses

• High strung, high expectations.

• Can get burned out or over tired. This player is not usually good at taking breaks
or listening to their body.

• Fighting for outcomes that are out of his or her control can lead to low self-
esteem.

What they need

• Internal motivation. Help them remember to be present, and remember why

they are doing it.

• Fun. Give them permission to lighten up from time to time. Get creative, play a
game, switch it up.

• A challenge that meets their skill level. Help them aim just above their skill
level, giving them chances to rack up successes and confidence.

Mental toughness tip

• Focus on the controllable – thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Let go of things out
of your control – opponents, teammates, the crowd, playing time, etc.

13. THE DIVA

Strengths

• Intelligent, well spoken, talented.

• Not afraid to speak up about what they want or need.

• Confident.

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t take criticism well.

• Assumes they already know. Therefore, this player might miss out on critical
information that could help them train or perform better.
 • Stubborn/inflexible.

• Needs to be right, even if it means self-sabotage.

What they need

• Perspective. Show them new ways of seeing what they think they already know.

• Compliment sandwich:

• When giving feedback or corrections – start with a compliment, then

critique, then another compliment – they will receive constructive
criticism better when it comes with positive feedback.

• Give them opportunities to help other teammates learn what they know.

Mental toughness tip

• Say, “ok.” Sometimes it’s hard to go with the flow, but at least once a day,
instead of pushing back against someone, try just saying, “ok.” And let the other
person get what they want. Notice how it feels and notice if you become more or
less effective. You might be surprised.

• Listen to the message within the message. When you hear someone criticize
you, find what you can learn from it, then let go of the rest – there’s always a
message worth hearing hidden inside. If you hear the same comment twice, it’s
definitely worth pondering.

14. THE SPACE CADET

Strengths

• Relaxed, doesn’t get too stressed.

• Not too worried about what others think of them.

Weaknesses

• Focus. This player often misses key instructions, loses focus, or forgets what
they’re supposed to be doing.

• Can miss out on important information that can help them improve.

• Lacks the confidence to take on a leadership position.

What they need

• Patience. Not everyone has a stellar attention span. Especially when dealing
with kids diagnosed with ADD or other attention issues, know that they may
learn best when they don’t look like they’re paying attention.

• Some kids need to be moving all the time. Allow them to fiddle, stand, or
bounce – they may learn better when their body can move while they listen.

Mental toughness tip

• Practice mindfulness meditation. Sitting still for even 5 minutes a day starts to
re-wire the brain for better focus and a stronger ability to be present.