how can i improve my overhand volleyball serve??

Question

i try as hard as i can, but i can't seem to get the ball over the net when i am serving overhand. any tips??

Answer 1

Sounds as though you are hitting it too soon. When the ball is coming down, if you hit it early, your trajectory is down -- that means into the net. Give it a microsecond more of fall time before you hit it, and you should be able to get it over the net easily.
It's an acquired skill, so you're going to have to work on it for a bit, but the added time also lets you get focussed before you do your serve.
Go get it!

Answer 2

If you've mastered the underhand serve, it's time to learn the overhand, which adds a lot of dimension to your game. While the underhand serve does its job getting the ball over the net, it's obviously not an offensive weapon because it's fairly easy to pass. Once you master the overhand serve, you'll find it easier to control. Just like hitting, hand position determines where the ball will go. Hit it dead-on, and it goes straight, hit it slightly off center, and it goes cross court. Depending on how hard you strike it, the serve can be short or deep or a "lollipop" or a devastating bullet-train.

Setting Up the Serve

Stand at about a 45-degree angle to the net, holding the ball in your non-serving hand. Keep your serving hand on it for balance. The foot opposite your serving hand should be slightly forward (the left foot for righthanders). Center your weight on your rear foot.

The Toss

The ideal toss varies in height according to the server's preference. Usually, the ball is just high enough that your hitting arm must extend to contact it. But the location should be the same: directly in front of your hitting shoulder.

Prepare to Launch

As you toss the ball, draw your hitting arm back, keeping your elbow at shoulder level as your hand reaches about your ear. Also, as you toss the ball, step forward with the leading foot (again, if you're a rightie, that's your left foot), shifting your weight to that foot.

Liftoff

While your body weight shifts forward, extend your arm up. Your hip and shoulders should rotate toward the ball, helped on by your step forward. Your arm, now extended, should swing forward to contact the ball. Strike it with the meat of your hand, letting your hand wrap over the ball as you hit it. Don't follow through as far as you do when hitting, but, rather, let your hand freeze in the air after you make contact.

Concept

Your body rotation and momentum help create the power behind the serve. Watch an especially hard server, and you'll notice a sort of hip thrust behind the extreme velocity. It's not all about shoulder power. As in all things, mechanics are most important.

Execution

This serve takes time to master because it involves several small body changes all happening at once. If you're having a lot of trouble, make sure that your toss is both consistent and in the right area. More good serves are killed by bad tosses than by any other mistake in execution.

Building on the Basics

When you feel good about this serve, try varying the height of the toss, how hard you contact the ball and the spot where you strike it. Try to find your power zone where you can most comfortably serve the ball hardest while still retaining control and your finesse zones where you can best drop in trick serves. Practice your accuracy by serving at targets, and vary the look of your serve by starting at different points along the serving line.

Answer 3

I am THE perfect person to answer this question! I was the only one on my team who could not serve overhand. I understand COMPLETELY how you feel! I would try soooo hard, and get so frustrated!

Anyway, I learned that you have to keep trying and keep your head up if you want to improve. Never get down on yourself. Practice makes perfect! I had a great coach who helped me a LOT, and finally, after three months, I can serve overhand just fine!

I practiced every day, and I learned to put my whole body into it. You have to swing through, keeping your arm as straight as possible. Take your time, take a deep breath, and tell yourself that you can do it. Hit the ball as HARD as you can, and believe in yourself! You'll get there! The most important thing is to SWING! Swing at it hard!!!

Good luck! Keep your head up, I know you'll get it!!

xoxoHeartxoxo

Answer 4

It's all in a consistent toss and solid contact.
Start almost perpendicular to the net with your weight on your back foot. Your key words are: toss and draw, step and swing. Your toss should be just out of your reach. Make sure your draw your swinging arm back for power...otherwise, you're only getting half a swing at the ball (like bunting). Take a step toward your toss with your front foot. Swing your elbow toward the ball (like a throwing motion). Solid contact is really important. Stiffen your hand and wrist...like when you clap your hands. Follow through with your swing in the direction you want the ball to go. If you can throw a ball correctly, you can serve.
Remember, if you don't start right...you can't finish right so keep your toss consistent, draw, and have a solid contact.

Answer 5

You may want to practice your toss, footwork and follow through by serving against the wall. Imagine yourself as an archer and feel your abs snap when you follow through. Make sure your toss is high enough and in front of you enough (but not too far in front) to be able to make adequate contact with the ball.

As you can see from all the different advice, there are a variety of factors that come into play. Ask your coach to spend extra time with you before or after practice.

Above all, relax and don't get discouraged.

Answer 6

i used to have the SAME problem... bfore I did terrible at my serves, but it didnt matter cuz i never served.

We always worked on our arms (push ups), when u serve u might want to take a step forward and lean it. Always hit with the palms of your hands too.. practice helps, but u should try on a hard wall. Perhaps on a brick wall if u have one on the side of ur house? First start off with 10 feet, then go 20 the keep going..

Answer 7

Practice

Answer 8

PRACTICE!!

Always keep your eye on the ball. Watch the ball strike your hand, and follow through properly. The mistake a lot of people make is not seeing their hand hit the ball. they lower their eyes right before, and the ball flies into the net.

Answer 9

what you have to do is first keep your feet about shoulder width apart with your right or left foot a little farther out(if you are right handed stick your left foot out more and if you are right handed stick your right foot out a little more, then practice throwing it up a few times and it should drop in front of the foot opposite of your dominant hand, then toss the ball above your head. then put your arm up and smack it with the meat of the bottom of your hand. make sure you practice practice practice.

Answer 10

try tossing the ball higher when you are serving...i's helped me a lot! You could also try lifting weights and that would make your shoulders and arms stronger! Keep working at it and i'm sure you'll get it! good luck!