Serving is the MOST important skill of the game. It is the first offensive weapon and there are no other variables involved other than the player and the ball. It is very important that a player takes their time, focus, concentrate, and be aggressive.
Types of serves
Floater- Probably the most used serve in competition, the ball is hit with a punching hit instead of a follow through. The ball should have no stabilizing spin and will dart like a knuckleball. Some say to hold the valve in the direction you want to curve to.
Top spin-The ball is struck on top and very quickly over the net and will drop suddenly. The hand will have a quick snap of the wrist in the follow through to create spin.
Jump Serve- The ball will require a higher toss and hit in the height of a jump in the air. The serve will give an added force to the serve. Often this serve will land out of bounds unless enough distance is given behind for a further approach.
Performance Guidelines for the Serve
A. Stance
Wide base
Leg forward is opposite of hitting arm.
Front foot is in the direction of where serve is to go.
B. Torso
1. Upper body is upright.
Shoulders square to the net.
C. Ball Toss
In front of the hitting arm.
2-3 feet in the air (higher on a jump serve).
D. Arms
"Bow and Arrow" like motion.
"High extended elbow (above the ears).
Lead with the elbow, then the arm---wrist---hand.
E. Contact Point
Heel to hand to center of the ball for a floater.
Heel of hand slightly below the center of the ball for the jump serve and top spin.
F. Follow Through
Top spin/jump serve-contact with the heel of the hand and snap wrist over the ball.
Floater-hand stays firm. "Punch" the ball.
Shoulders stay high. Do not lean.
Arm follows through beside the body, not across.
G. Jump Serve
Toss forward into the court.
Broad jump using attack footwork.
Aim deep into opposing court.