Keys to a good spike.
Master your approach.
First step in approach is for timing. The second step is for power.
Angle self to ball approach.
Four step approach: Right/Left/Right/Left (for right handers) or three step--Left/Right/Left(right handers)
The higher the set, the later your approach.
You should be facing cross court to achieve more strength in your spike.
A spike hit facing the net should be a line shot.
A backrow hitter has to master the broad jump techniques.
Backrow hitters should hit the ball as close to the net as possible.
Legs should bend to about 90 degrees in the crouch for the jump. A crouch too low loses the momentum gathered from the approach and a crouch too high will not give you full power.
Use your arms to assist your jump. Both arms go up.
Explode with your whole body to make your hit.
Extend your arm fully to reach the hit.
Wrist snap and position of your hand controls the direction of your hit.
Deceptive direction and speed options.
Powerful wrist snap.
To hit left, hit the ball at approximately 1-2 o'clock.
To hit right, hit the ball at approximately 10-11 o'clock position.
Hit the ball at approximately 6 inches from your head.
Your follow through should be past your hip.
Land on the balls of your feet to absorb the jump.
Communicate positively to your setter for your needs.
Common Performance Errors
Broad jumping into the net.
"Cheerleader" jump.
Failing to use arm lift.
Using a closed fist.
Hand is not "wrapped" around the ball.
Jumping too late and contacting the ball too low.
Contact made under the ball.
Incorrect approach angle and speed.
Lack of power
Inadequate wrist snap
Failure to contract abdominal muscles
Incorrect contact point on the ball.
Poor arm action
Not getting hips open.
Not reaching and hitting up into the ball.