Proper Underhand Serve Technique in Volleyball

Volleyball is a sport that combines precision, power, and strategy. While flashy spikes and dramatic blocks may steal the show, the game starts with a fundamental yet crucial skill – the underhand serve. Although often seen as a beginner's technique, the underhand serve holds its own importance and requires proper technique to be effective.

This article aims to guide you in mastering this essential volleyball skill, ensuring that it becomes not just a starting point, but also a strategic element in your volleyball toolkit.

For players who’ve already mastered the underhand serve, check out some of the other types of serves in volleyball Here.

The Basics of Underhand Serving

The underhand serve is the first serve most volleyball players learn. It’s the groundwork for understanding serving mechanics and is essential for all levels of play. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about hitting the ball under your hand; it's about precision, control, and consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Underhand Serve

1. Starting Stance: Begin by standing comfortably behind the end line, feet shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be on your back foot, ready to shift forward.
2. Grip and Ball Positioning: Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, extending it in front of you at waist level. Your dominant hand should form a fist or an open palm, depending on your preference.
3. The Swing: Draw your serving arm back, keeping it straight. As you swing forward, shift your weight from the back foot to the front, transferring the energy into the serve.
4. Contact and Follow-Through: Make contact with the bottom part of the ball, aiming to hit it with either the heel of your hand or your fist. The key is to follow through, guiding the ball's trajectory with your hand movement.
5. Aiming the Serve: Aim is crucial in serving. You want to target areas of the court that are either poorly defended or hard for the opponent to reach. Practice varying your serves to keep the opponents guessing.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Inconsistent Hits: A shaky hit leads to an ineffective serve. You can practice this by hitting the ball against a wall, simply pick a spot on the wall, hit the ball with the palm of your hand or fist and aim for the spot you picked. Hitting the ball repeatedly at the same spot will not only improve your aim, but also your hitting consistency.
2. Overpowering the Serve: Power is less important than precision and control. Focus on hitting the ball cleanly and directing it accurately.
3. Neglecting Follow-Through: Follow-through is not just a part of your swing; it's a guide for where the ball will go. Ensure your arm continues its motion toward your target after contact.

The Strategic Value of Underhand Serving

While often overlooked, the underhand serve has strategic value. It can be deceivingly tricky to receive, especially when placed accurately. It's not about how hard you hit, but where and how you serve. A well-placed underhand serve can be just as effective as a more advanced serve in disrupting the opponent's formation.

Training Tips for Perfecting the Underhand Serve

1. Practice Consistency: Repetition is key. The more you practice, the more consistent your serve becomes. Aim for a specific target during practice to improve accuracy.
2. Strength and Flexibility Training: Strengthening your arm and wrist can lead to a more powerful and controlled serve. Flexibility is also crucial for a fluid serving motion.
3. Mental Focus: Serving requires mental focus. Practice serving under pressure to simulate match conditions, improving your confidence and consistency.

The underhand serve in volleyball is more than just a beginner's tool; it's a foundational skill that can be refined and used strategically at all levels of play. By mastering the proper technique and understanding its strategic applications, you can turn the underhand serve into a reliable and effective component of your volleyball game. Remember, in volleyball, every skill counts, and the underhand serve is no exception.

If you’re looking to get into volleyball or perfect your skills, check out one of Javelin’s Beginner Training sessions in Toronto & the GTA! We host weekly clinics with dedicated coaches to help beginner players strengthen their skills and get to the recreational level.

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