How to: Kill Shot on a Volleyball Snap

Hitting a volleyball requires taking a full approach that ends with an explosive jump, reaching high for the ball, having a fast arm swing, and contacting the ball with a big, open hand for maximum power in order to get a "kill shot."

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyballs
  • Volleyball net
  • Person to toss or set balls to you
  • Plyometric box, optional
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Instructions

    • 1
      Smash this!

      Take a big, slower left step, almost like a lunge, at about a 45 degree angle toward the net once the ball has hit its peak in the air either by a toss or a set. This is for right-handed hitters.

    • 2

      Push off your left foot and land first on your right foot and almost simultaneously on your left foot, landing in a half-squat position, swinging your arms back behind you parallel to the ground with your palms facing up as you land.

    • 3

      Jump up explosively, swinging your arms quickly straight above your head.

    • 4
      The left hand should up and be directly under the ball.

      Drop your right hand down to your right ear with your palm facing forward and leave your left arm up in the air. Line up your left arm, your navigational tool, like you would a sight on a gun to find the ball in the air and line up your body correctly.

    • 5
      Left hand drops, and the right hand replaces it.

      Swing your left arm down quickly to your left side in a semi-circle motion as you simultaneously swing your right hand up in a slightly rounded arc. Replace where your left hand was just hanging in the air with your right hand at the moment the ball is at the highest point of your reach.

    • 6
      This hitter uses her whole body to direct the ball.

      Snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to go upon contact and continue swinging your right arm down as fast as you can while also crunching your torso in the direction you want the ball to land to create more power. Swing through until your right hand is near your right hip with your elbow bent out to the side.

    • 7

      Land safely with both feet at the same time in a half-squat position again, just like you started. You should land in about the same spot you took off from if you did your approach and swing correctly because your goal is to jump up, not out.