Serving

Underhand Serve

Things to do

  • Stand facing the net with the foot opposite the hitting hand forward.
  • The ball is held at waist level.
  • Lean forward as you swing your arm forward quickly and contact the ball.
  • The player hits underneath the ball with the fist or heel of the hand.
  • The hitting arm follows through in the direction of the target.

Things to avoid

  • Ball toss
  • Hand holding the ball swinging up as you swing at the ball

Overhand Serve

Things to do

  • Ready Stance
    • Stand facing the net with the foot opposite the hitting hand forward.
    • The ball is held at waist level.
  • Bow And Arrow
    • Elbow and hand are at shoulder height or above throughout the entire serving motion.
  • Consistent Toss
    • With firm wrist, toss the ball 18 inches above head – so that the ball falls to the spot just inside of the lead foot and in line with the hitting shoulder.
  • Shift
    • Shift weight to lead foot, or step forward, as you hit the ball
  • Swing Fast to target
    • Wrist firm throughout serve
    • Contact with heel of hand through middle back of ball
    • The contact should sound like a “thud”, not a “slap” sound
    • Hand follows ball to target.
    • Finish with hand alongside or within body line.

Things to avoid

  • Extra motions
  • High ball toss