Jump Serving
by Jamie Smart

A good jump serve is a deadly weapon in the game of volleyball.  Erin Norris (NBC Volleyball Coach) used her powerful jump serve to help the Central Washington Wildcats return to the NCAA DIVISION II VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT.  When you learn how to jump serve correctly, you will become a serving threat to the other team.

Steps to a great jump serve:

            Position yourself about 4 feet (or three long strides) from the end line.

            Focus on where you want to aim your serve.

            Visualize your served ball going to that spot.

            Take a deep breath.

            Take one long step forward with your left foot (opposite if you are left-handed). 

As you are taking a step with your right foot (opposite if you are left-handed), toss the ball in front of your foot.  Make sure your toss is high enough to make you reach as you jump.

Take your third step similar to the last step in your hitting approach, planting it behind your left foot in order to stop your forward momentum.  Your feet should be side by side, pointing right. (Make sure you are behind the end line.)  JUMP!!

Contact the ball at the top of your jump.  Use your whole body – arms, wrists, abs, and hips – to hit the ball.  Feel your body move through the ball as you contact the top center of the ball.

Land in front of the end line.  Your momentum should move you forward toward the net.

Tips:

            The stronger your core muscles (abdominals) are, the stronger your serve will be.

            Serve with confidence knowing your serve will go over the net.

            You may toss the ball with one or two hands.  However, a good toss is necessary   for a great serve.  Make sure to practice good tosses.

            Land lightly from your jump.  Protect your body from injury.

Becoming a consistent jump server takes practice.  It also takes a person who plays without fear and loves to hit the ball hard.  Jump serve with attitude...think points.  Developing a jump serve takes time but is worth it when you have a deadly weapon every time you step onto the court.  So go for it, be aggressive, and crush that ball.

By Jamie Smart, NBC Camps Volleyball Director