Serving sets the stage for volleyball success. It’s the first fundamental skill that can quickly score points.
Serving is not just about getting the ball over the net; it’s about serving with intent to score. This holds especially true in youth volleyball (ages 4-11), where serving and passing dominate gameplay.
I introduce young players to five different serving techniques, including static and linear approaches. Within these categories, players learn the static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater, each requiring different levels of strength and coordination.
Static floater
This serve emphasizes a controlled lift and precise contact point. It is an accessible starting point for young athletes.
Topspin serve
The topspin serve offers an opportunity to reinforce the hitting motion because the arm swing is similar to attacking.
Japanese floater
This serve presents a unique challenge with its focus on wrist control and contact placement, which allow younger players who may not be as strong to succeed immediately by getting the ball over the net.
For linear serving, players get into the dynamic realm of jump serves, floaters without the attacking arm swing, and topspin, which demand an approach with the arm swing as if attacking the ball. Here, players develop an understanding of toss coordination. While the topspin needs a quick-wrist extension, crucial for powerful serves, the floater maintains a firm wrist with the follow-through forward.
To reinforce these techniques, drills are tailored to emphasize wrist firmness for floaters and wrist extension for topspin serves. Players also learn to leverage lower body power through quarter-turns and serve modifications at varying distances, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress.
By emphasizing serving fundamentals and encouraging a sense of fun and excitement, young players refine their serving skills and elevate their overall game, supporting team confidence and skill. Through dedication and consistent practice, these servers lay the foundation for success on the volleyball court, ensuring that tough and consistent serves translate into improved passing and immediate results. This sets the stage for continued success!
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to serve, watch the video above.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
