How to Volley a Volleyball

Volleyball is a sport in which two teams hit a ball over an elevated net within certain boundaries. Points are scored when a team is unable to hit the ball over the net or the ball goes out of bounds. The term "volley" is sometimes thought to be a specific type of volleyball skill, or "hit," but the term describes the general back-and-forth hitting nature of the game. While player are not necessarily restricted to hit the ball in any specific way (officially, the ball can be hit by any part of the body, including the feet), there are several main volleying techniques that are most effective to play the game.

Instructions

  1. The Serve

    • 1

      Stand behind the end line of your team's side of the court.

    • 2

      Toss the ball straight up, or up and slightly forward, so that it will come back down in a spot where you can hit it easily.

    • 3

      Either stand or jump and use the meaty part of your palm to strike the ball as it falls, and send it over the net. You should focus on getting the ball over the net and keeping it in bounds to start. Every volleyball point starts with a serve, so it is a very important skill to learn.

    The Pass (the Bump)

    • 4

      Interlock your the fingers on your hands.

    • 5

      Extend your arms straight outward so that your forearms are nearly parallel.

    • 6

      Use the surface of the forearms to block the ball and direct it toward a teammate. Depending on the velocity of the ball and the position of the teammate, you may have to move your arms upward together to create power to alter the ball's direction. The pass is generally used to move the ball between players to get it in a favorable position. Bumps are often the first skill used to stop and control a serve.

    The Set

    • 7

      Wait for an incoming pass coming from above.

    • 8

      Position the palms above the forehead a couple inches apart, facing the ceiling.

    • 9

      Thrust the palms and fingertips upward as the ball reaches them, directing the ball so that it will fall to an area where teammate will be able to hit it easily. Sets are mainly used to direct a ball which is already under control to an attacker who forcefully hits the ball over the net.

    The Spike

    • 10

      Wait near the net for a ball to be set to you from a teammate. The arc of the ball should be similar to a serve with a high toss.

    • 11

      Jump as the ball falls so that you are in a position to strike the ball over the net at a downward angle.

    • 12

      Use the meat of your palm to strike the ball at the top of your jump, directing it to an open area of the other team's in-bounds area. Be wary of opposing players jumping up and attempting to use their hands and forearms to block the spike back onto your side.