The Serve

The purpose of the serve is to get the ball over the net to start the rally, the rally can be won by either grounding the ball in the opposition's court or causing the opposition to be unable to return the ball.

There are many different types of serves used in Volleyball including the underhand and overhand serves.

Underhand

1.  Ready Position - Stand facing the net with your non-dominant foot forward. Hold the ball out in front of you in your non-hitting hand at waist level.
   
   
2. Contact - Lean forward as you swing your hitting arm forward; drop your other hand just before contact. Hit underneath the ball with the fist or heel of the hand.
   
   
3. Follow through with your hitting hand. 

Overhand

1. Ready position - Always keep the ball in front of you. Feet should be staggered, with feet and body facinf desired direction. Draw your serving arm back keeping your elbow high.
   
   
2. Toss the ball up in front of your serving arm, lead with you elbow.
   
   
3. Make contact with the ball with a straight arm using the palm of your hand. Make sure you keep your fingers spread.
   
   
4. Follow through the ball with a firm wrist and hand.