Since much of the technique in volleyball is in how to hit the ball, it's important to know a little about the dynamics of different strikes and stances.
An effective underhand serve begins with the off-foot (the foot on the opposite side from your hitting hand) forward. Hold the ball approximately waist-high with your supporting hand, pull your hitting hand back and then strike the ball with the heel of your hitting hand as you drop the supporting hand away from the ball (figure A). Using the heel-portion of your hand (figure B) affords you both power and control of the ball. Visualize propelling the ball forward, in an arching trajectory, rather than hitting it with an upward force.
For the overhand serve , hold the ball approximately waist-high with your supporting hand and cock your hitting hand back over your shoulder at about ear-level. With your supporting hand, toss the ball straight upward about 18 inches into the air, then bring your hitting hand forward to strike the back of the ball with the heel of your hand as it approaches shoulder-level. The weight of your body will shift forward as you follow through. If you hit the ball squarely, the sound should be that of a "thud" rather than a slap.
For the defending player, the bump-pass is an important technique to effectively pass the ball and keep it in play. The bump-pass employs the forearm. The sweet-spot for striking with the forearm is the flat underneath surface between wrist and elbow. Fold the palms of your hand together and extend your arms so that they are at about a 90-degree angle from the body (figure C). In this way, you can use the flat striking surface of your forearms to direct the ball where you want it to go. The correct stance for receiving the ball using this technique is with the knees slightly bent (figure D). As you strike the ball, come up to a straight, standing position so as to use your whole body to lift and direct the ball. Avoid swinging your arms to strike the ball, as this will result in less control.
The set allows the player to keep the ball in play, allowing a teammate time to prepare to spike or return the ball more effectively. As the ball is approaching you, concentrate on facing your target rather than the approaching ball. With your palms pointing upward, your hands should make contact with the ball approximately at your hairline. Your thumbs should be about an inch apart, and the fingers of your opposing hands extending slightly outward. As your forefingers come into contact with the ball, your fingers should take on the shape of the ball. "Push" the ball toward your target (figure E). As you follow through, your hands should end up pointing in the direction of your target.
RESOURCES :
USA Volleyball
USA Volleyball is the national governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States.
Web site: www.usavolleyball.org
Volleyball World Wide
An online resource on the sport of volleyball.
Web site: www.volleyball.org
Volleyball magazine
774 Marsh Street, Suite C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Web site: www.volleyballmag.com
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