Spiking a volleyball involves hitting the ball to the floor on your opponent's side of the net.The "kill" is when you approach the ball, jump, and go in for the kill.If the ball hits the floor before the other team can recover it, your team gets a point.Practice alternate approaches and increase the power of your spikes after you've learned the basics of spiking.
Step 1: Get in a position.
If you want to hit the ball over the net, you have to be a front row player.It's best to hit the ball from the right or left side.If you are spiking the ball from either the right or left front position, you should position yourself behind the 10-foot line, which is four steps away from the net.If you have long legs, stand further back.If you are left handed, you may have a more powerful spike when you approach from the left side of the court.Start near the middle if you are tall or can jump higher.
Step 2: Look at the Setter.
The person playing the center position will set the ball high in your direction so that it falls close to the net in a position that makes it easy to spike it.After the ball is set, you'll begin your approach.Make sure you're working with a skilled Setter as you practice spiking.You should go in for the kill if it rises and falls in a gentle arcs close to the net.You should call your teammates to let them know you're striking.If your team comes up with codes for each side, use them.
Step 3: The correct stance is to assume it.
If you want to move, face the ball and bend your knees.If you are right handed, your left foot should be back from your right foot.If you are left handed, your right foot should be back from your left foot.
Step 4: You have to take your first step.
Take a strong first step with your left foot.Do the reverse if you're left-handed.
Step 5: A second powerful step is needed.
If you're left-handed, use your right foot to build speed.To prepare for the strike, swing your arms back behind you.Depending on the position of the ball, the second step distance will vary.If the ball is close to you, you'll take a short step, if it's further away.
Step 6: To square your feet, you have to take a final step.
If you're left-handed, you should step with your left foot and end with a shoulder width apart.Your arms should be behind you.The height of your jump depends on your arm swing.Your upward momentum can be helped by a well- timed swing.The timing needs to be perfect.You don't want to end up off balance if your feet are shoulder-width apart.As the ball falls towards you, keep your head up.
Step 7: Jump as the ball lands.
Your body should be turned at 30 degrees from the net as you hit your shoulder.Swing your arms forward at the same time as you jump high into the air.The more powerful your strike is, the higher you jump.
Step 8: Back your hand to hit.
Your arms should swing above your head as you jump.If you're left-handed, pull back your right elbow and bend it at a ninety degree angle.Your hand needs to be at head level.
Step 9: You should hit the ball with the center of your hand.
With your fingers together, keep your hand open.Make contact with the ball by rotating your arm at the shoulder and moving your hand quickly toward it.The ball should be directed into your opponent's court by snapping your wrist downward.To maximize the power of your strike, try to hit the ball at the height of the jump.Next to your body, bring your arm down through the ball.This makes sure that you don't lose steam.It is against the rules to touch the net.To avoid a penalty, bring your arm back toward your body.It is against the rules to hold the ball for even a second.
Step 10: If your feet hit the ground, bend your knees.
You can avoid an ankle injury by regaining balance.Don't fall into the net as you land.
Step 11: Get back to where you were.
You will need to be ready for more action if the opposing team returns the ball.Get in your position by dropping back from the net.You should keep an eye on the ball.
Step 12: Don't use the ball to practice your movement.
It's important to get the footwork down when you're just learning how to spike.You can do it in your sleep if you practice enough.To get to the imaginary ball, start behind the attack line.Focus on mastering a fast approach.
Step 13: As hard as you can, swing.
Take a volleyball and hit it against a wall.Practice rearing back and spiking it after tossing it up in the air.If you want to move your elbow toward the ball, snap your forearm forward.The more quickly you can do this, the more powerful your spikes will be.It's helpful to work with a partner who can set the ball for you so you can work on your entire approach, jump and swing.Make contact with the ball, snapping your wrist and following through.
Step 14: Your jump height should be increased.
The height of your jump is dependent on your entire approach.Make sure you step quickly toward the ball.As you bend your knees, swing your arms back briskly.The best position to spike the ball is when your entire body moves in one upward swing.You can practice spiking the ball at the height of your jump by jumping as high as you can.Try working with a trainer.This is a device that holds the ball in a high position, forcing you to jump high enough to hit it at the height of your jump and then spike it out of the device.
Step 15: You should get your timing down.
The power of your spike can be impacted by knowing when to hit the ball.You want to time your approach so that you can make contact with the ball as it reaches your "sweet spot," the place where your hand can strike it downward while you're still at the height of your jump.Only with a lot of practice will you be able to maximize your strike.It's helpful to practice with a good Setter.If you want to hit the ball at the top of your jump, you need someone who is capable of setting it high and in the correct position.As you approach the strike, keep an eye on the ball.You know your timing was off if you hit it with the tips of your fingers or low on your hand.
Step 16: Always keep going.
Without follow through, you're forced to stop your hand's movement before you have a chance to really attack the ball.The key is not to touch the net.If you bend your elbow during your follow through, you can keep your arm out of the net.
Step 17: Strength training exercises can be performed.
Special exercises are done to build up the muscles that allow volleyball players to jump powerfully into the air.If you work with your coach, you can start an exercise routine that will help you jump higher.Push ups are one of the exercises to try.If you want to help your shoulder stability, you can either place your hands on the ground or on an exercise ball.As you gain strength, do three sets of fifteen pushups each.The overhead ball slam is done with two hands.A medicine ball is a volleyball-sized ball.Use both hands to swing it up over your head, then slam it down on the ground.This will strengthen your shoulders and arm muscles.
Step 18: The angle of your strike is something you need to work on.
A strike is more effective when you hit the ball at a downward angle.Your opponent won't have time to return it, so you want it to hit the floor as quickly as possible.Practice striking at a sharp angle once you've mastered the correct striking form.The opponents will have a hard time reaching the holes in the court.Aim for the holes instead of hitting the ball.You can take advantage of your opponents weak spots by striking from different places along the net.Hit a box to practice your aim.If you were going to jump during a spike, you would want to stand on a tall, sturdy box.You can practice hitting targets on the other side of the net by spiking the ball from the box.
Step 19: To see blockers, you need to learn to see them.
The opposing team's blockers block your spike from getting over the net.If you plow the ball into a blocker, you won't be earning a point for your team.It's important to keep an eye on the ball, but you have to learn to see blockers out of the corners of your eyes so you can avoid them at the net.Practice with opposing players is the best way to see blockers.During spiking practice, have your teammates block your spikes.If you aim your strikes out of their reach, you can avoid blockers.This will make it harder for blockers to block the ball if you snap your wrist during your follow through.
Step 20: Move very quickly to confuse your opponents.
A slower, graceful dance toward the ball will give your opponents plenty of time to block your strike.It will take them by surprise if you move quickly and explode.Sprint practice can increase your speed if you're not very quick on your feet.It's important to not start your approach until the ball has been set, otherwise you'll give yourself away before you get the chance to strike.
Step 21: Go with your teammates.
Code words, special positioning and other tactics are used by many volleyball teams.Making the effort to distract or confuse your opponents before spiking is a great way to make a point and free up a hole on the other side.You can learn more about volleyball strategy and how to beat an opposing team in How to Play Volleyball.