November 05, 2025 | Tagged Skills,
Techniques for Controlling the Serve Game
Techniques for Controlling the Serve Game
by Cassidy Clark
A skillful and controlled serve gives your team an immediate advantage and adds a valuable asset to your volleyball toolkit—something every coach desires. But a "skillful" or "strong" serve isn't just about raw power. It's about control—control of placement, control of velocity, and, perhaps most importantly, control of your mindset.
More than ever, coaches prioritize players who can serve effectively. In fact, many colleges now designate players as serving specialists, strategically using substitutions to maximize their serving potential. That’s how important serving has become.
Here are three techniques you can master to elevate your serve and take your game to the next level:
1. Control Your Mindset
Standing behind the service line with the ball in hand is one of the few moments in volleyball where you are completely in control. However, stepping up to serve after a chaotic, physically exhausting rally can be daunting—and it often rattles players.
The key to maintaining your team’s momentum is your ability to regain composure and serve with a calm, focused mind. Easier said than done, right?
So, how do you do it? Start by taking three deep breaths to slow your heart rate. Then, establish a consistent serving ritual—whether it’s bouncing the ball twice and giving it a spin or five double-handed bounces. Stick to this routine for every serve, in practice and games alike. This ritual will help you refocus and approach each serve with confidence and consistency.
2. Control the Placement of the Ball
We’ve all heard our coaches say, "Serve anywhere but at the libero!" A well-placed serve can put the other team at a disadvantage, while the libero is typically the strongest passer on the court.
But serving isn't just about avoiding a strong passer. Reading the court and identifying strategic spots based on the opponent's rotation can throw them out of system, giving your team a significant advantage.
Wondering how to achieve this? It comes down to two key fundamentals: stepping toward your target and ensuring your follow-through points exactly where you want the ball to land. Consistently executing these two elements will improve your ability to place the ball precisely where it needs to go.
3. Control the Velocity
Varying the speed of your serve makes it more unpredictable and harder to return. If you can switch between a serve that lands near the back line and one that drops in front of the middle, you'll quickly become a more valuable player.
How do you control serve speed? It all boils down to your arm swing. The faster your swing, the harder you’ll contact the ball, sending it farther down the court. Slowing your swing will result in shorter, more controlled serves.
Remember: Progress Over Perfection
Serving is a skill that improves with consistent practice. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect right away. Practice your serve against a wall, or simply practice your toss at home in your garage or backyard. Over time, your control will improve—and so will your serve.
About NBC Volleyball
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