Fundamental Skills and Techniques in Volleyball

The Service

• Definition: The opening skill in volleyball determined by a coin toss.

• Key Points:

  • Winning team chooses their side to serve.

Kinds of Serve

• Underhand Serve:

  • Position: Player faces net with left foot in front of right.

  • Technique: Swing the cupped hand backward and follow through the ball's flight.

• Overhand Serve:

  • Common and effective, involves tossing the ball 2-3 feet above right shoulder.

  • Floater: Hit at midpoint with a slight follow-through.

  • Topspin: Hit on lower midsection; snap wrist and roll hand.

• Sidearm Serve:

  • Position: Ball held at hip level, tossed slightly while swinging the arm parallel to the floor.

  • Side determined by the opposite of dominant hand.

Passing

• Definition: Refers to ball handling skills – hitting the ball intentionally/unintentionally.

Types of Passing

• Tossing: Use fleshy parts of fingers and wrist action to pass the ball.

• Forearm Pass (Bump/Dig): Most frequently used skill for passing serves and other balls below waist.

• Overhand Pass: Used for passing above the head and setting.

• One-Arm Pass (Emergency Pass): For situations where two-handed pass isn’t possible.

Spiking and Blocking

• Spiking: Attack skill where the ball is driven hard to score points.

  • Execution: Set the ball, fake steps, jump, and spike near the net.

• Blocking: Prevents the ball from returning to your court by jumping and positioning hands above the net.

Basic Steps for Effective Blocking Techniques

• Side Step: Develops leaping ability for blocking close to the net.

• Cross Step: Engages when blocking attacks from far, usually second and back line.

Tips to Improve Blocking Ability

• Timing: Essential for jumping at the right moment to block.

• Coordination: Important to work with teammates, especially front row players.

• Ball Reading: Keep an eye on the ball’s flight for effective blocking.

Additional Tips for Blocking

• Body Coordination: Maintain control in the air; proper arm and hand positioning is crucial.

• Jump Preparation: Effective push-off leads to better jumps; maintain eye contact with the ball’s flight.