How to Spike a Volleyball Harder

A hard spike in volleyball is very effective and many times is a point, game and match winning shot. The key to spiking hard is good technique, timing, arm swing speed and repetitive practice. A player who can execute this shot with confidence is very intimidating to opponents and highly valued by the team.

Things You'll Need

  • Vollleyball
  • Net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice a two-step approach. If you are right handed, you will step first with the right foot and then with the left foot on the approach. When you step with the right foot, swing both arms straight back, behind your back. Bend your wrists so that your fingers are pointing up towards the ceiling.

    • 2

      Transfer your forward momentum into a vertical jumping momentum. To do this, step with your left foot, lower your hips and bend your knees. Drive with your legs upwards while swinging your arms forward. Force your arms up and fully extend them to get the maximum reach. Finger tips are again pointing up towards the ceiling.

    • 3

      Pull your right arm back in a cocked position. When you do this, do not pull it back with your elbow leading. Your hand and wrist should lead the way. Your elbow should be high and bent in a 90 degree angle, wrist bent and the palm of your hand facing towards the ceiling.

    • 4

      Pull your left arm down and bring it in close to your chest. At the same time, uncock your hitting arm as you extend your elbow and reach toward the volleyball. Your hitting arm should be straight and close to your head. Snap your wrist as you contact the ball to drive it downwards into the opponent's court. At the point of contact, the ball should be slightly ahead of your hitting shoulder and contact should be on top of the ball, not the side, to avoid hitting it out of bounds.

    • 5

      Follow through after contact. To have a powerful spike, allow your hitting arm to swing through the point of contact with maximum swing speed. Let your arm naturally slow down and finish near your waist.

    • 6

      Practice, repetitively, spiking the ball over the net with the help of teammates. Have them set the ball at different heights so that you can practice your timing and technique. Concentrate more on arm swing speed and not on hitting harder.