Principles

• Correct serving mechanics use torque to generate force – serving movements are similar to throwing movements 

• Simple movements are better than complex movements – the simpler the movement the easier it is to repeat 

• Task that require speed and accuracy (like serving) are learned best if there is an equal emphasis on both speed and accuracy from the beginning 

Serving Keys

STanding Float

1.  Bow and Arrow

   • Stand 45 degrees 

   • Ball in one hand 

   • Hitting elbow and shoulder back 

2. Place the ball, step, and hit or step, place the ball, and hit

   • Place the ball in front of the shoulder

   • Contact on the heal of the hand (no spin)

3. Swing to the target

4. See and connect to the outcome

Two Handed Jump Float

1. Ball in two hands with right foot forward

   • Stand at 45 degrees – first step with right foot

2. Step, step, (not hop, hop) place the ball, step, step, hit the ball

   • Place the ball in front of hitting shoulder

   • No double arm lift (like spiking) stay in bow and arrow position 

   • Contact on the heal of the hand (no spin)

3. Torque (not pike)

4. See and connect to the outcome

One Handed Jump Float

1. Ball in left hand with left foot forward

   • Stand at 45 degrees – first step with right foot

2. Step, step, (not hop, hop) place the ball, step, step, hit the ball

   • Place the ball in front of hitting shoulder

   • No double arm lift (like spiking) stay in bow and arrow position 

   • Contact on the heal of the hand (no spin)

3. Torque (not pike)

4. See and connect to the outcome

Spike Serve

1. Ball in right hand, right foot forward (make the 1st step with right foot)

   • Step, Toss, and take the rest of the four-step approach and hit the ball

   • High enough and forward toss allowing the server to jump into the court

   • Momentum 

2. Double arm lift

3. Bow and arrow arm swing 

Other Considerations

• Accurate Contact

• Impact Angle = parallel to the ground = no spin

• Contact Height

• Linear Lines

• Target Speed

Server Toolbox

• Drive it Deep Seam

• Drop it Short Seam

• High & Deep

• Short

• Midzone

Basic Drills