Introduction

Serving is one of the most essential skills in volleyball, especially for beginners. A strong serve can set the tone for the entire game, making it crucial to practice this skill regularly. In this article, we’ll cover three diverse examples of serving drills designed specifically for beginners. These drills are simple, effective, and can be done either individually or with a partner, making them perfect for players just starting their volleyball journey.

Example 1: Toss and Serve Drill

Context

This drill focuses on developing hand-eye coordination and the mechanics of a proper serve. It’s an excellent way for beginners to get comfortable with the serving motion.

To perform this drill, stand in a designated serving area on the court. Begin by holding the volleyball in one hand and using the other hand to toss it lightly into the air. The goal is to strike the ball with a clean, controlled motion, sending it over the net.

1. Start by standing behind the service line, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold the volleyball in your non-dominant hand at waist height.
3. Use your dominant hand to toss the ball about 1-2 feet into the air.
4. As the ball reaches its highest point, step forward with your non-dominant foot, swing your dominant arm back, and then forward to strike the ball with the heel of your hand.
5. Follow through by extending your arm after hitting the ball, aiming for a smooth, controlled serve.

Notes/Variations

• To increase difficulty, try varying the height of your toss.
• You can also practice serving to specific target areas on the opposite side of the court.

Example 2: Target Practice Drill

Context

This drill helps beginners develop accuracy and precision in their serves. By targeting specific areas on the court, players can improve their serving skills while having fun.

For this drill, you’ll need some cones or markers to set up designated target zones on the opposite side of the court.

1. Place 3-4 cones in different areas within the service area on the opposing side of the court.
2. Stand behind the service line and choose one cone as your target for each serve.
3. Focus on your toss and follow the same mechanics as in the Toss and Serve Drill.
4. Aim to serve the ball so it lands within the designated target zone.
5. After a few rounds, switch up the targets to challenge yourself further.

Notes/Variations

• You can keep score by awarding points for each successful serve that lands in a target zone.
• Encourage players to switch serving styles, such as underhand and overhand, for variety.

Example 3: Partner Serve and Receive Drill

Context

This drill not only focuses on serving but also incorporates receiving skills. It’s a great way for beginners to practice both aspects of the game in a supportive environment.

For this exercise, you’ll need a partner. Stand facing each other, with one player serving and the other receiving.

1. The serving player stands behind the service line with a volleyball.
2. The receiving player positions themselves on the opposite side of the net, ready to receive the serve.
3. The serving player performs a controlled serve, aiming for the receiving player to catch it easily.
4. After several serves, switch roles so both players can practice serving and receiving.
5. Focus on maintaining good form while serving and receiving the ball, encouraging communication between partners.

Notes/Variations

• Players can experiment with different serving techniques, such as topspin or a float serve.
• Consider adding a competitive element by keeping track of successful serves and receptions.

By practicing these examples of serving drills for beginners, players can build a strong foundation in their serving skills. Remember, consistency and practice are key to improvement, so keep serving and have fun!