Activity
Overhand Serve
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 4
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 5
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 6
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 7
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 8
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 9
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 10
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 11
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Class: Class 12
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Volleyball
Technique: Service
Overhand Serve
Learning Outcomes
Learn the correct stance, toss, and contact point for an overhand serve.
Develop consistency, accuracy, and power in serving.
Improve hand-eye coordination and ball control.
Build confidence in using the overhand serve in a game.
Description Of Activity
Starting Stance:
Stand behind the end line, feet shoulder-width apart.
Non-dominant foot slightly in front for balance.
Hold the ball in the non-dominant hand at chest level.
Ball Toss:
Toss the ball straight up, about 12–18 inches above the hitting shoulder.
Keep the toss consistent and not too high or too far forward.
Arm Swing & Contact:
Draw the hitting arm back like a bow (elbow high, hand open).
As the ball descends, step forward with the front foot.
Swing the arm forward, contacting the ball with the heel of the hand (flat, firm palm).
The contact point should be above the head and slightly in front of the body.
Follow Through:
Arm continues forward, finishing across the body.
Land inside the court with balance after stepping through.
Stay ready to transition into defense.
Variations
Beginner: Start with “toss & catch” to learn ball control.
Wall Serve Practice: Serve into a wall target to work on toss + contact.
Target Serving: Place cones/zones on the opposite court to practice accuracy.
Power Serving: Focus on higher toss and stronger follow-through for distance.
Advanced: Work on jump serve progression after mastering standing overhand serve.
Coaching Tips
Stress consistent toss—most serving errors come from a poor toss.
Remind players to watch the ball until contact.
Keep hitting hand firm and flat for a clean strike.
Encourage players to practice accuracy first, then power.
Build confidence by celebrating every successful serve, even if slow.
Equipment/Material Required
Volleyballs (1 per player if possible).
Full court with net.
Cones/targets for accuracy drills.