Ranking volleyball serves is a great way for you to gauge the difficulty of each technique! Once upon a time, I too had the issue of serving over the volleyball net (did you read my volleyball story? If not, here it is!) . Needless to say, when the coach gave me the ball I hit it right towards the back wall. Was she impressed? Yes. Was I? No. When I first joined the team I wanted to serve the ball in gameplay more than anything in the world. I watched my teammates with wonder at how they can serve, get the ball in and transition onto the court almost seamlessly.

What Are The Volleyball Serves?

Serving a volleyball is so much more than just tossing a ball up in the air and somehow contacting it with your hand. There are many different types of serves that you can do ranging from beginner to advanced. Ranking volleyball serves will give you some perspective on the game. Let’s discuss them here in order from easiest to most difficult (in my personal perception of course):

Underhand Serving

This is often the first kind of serve that we see players utilize when they’re learning how to play the game. It is also used very often during recreational gameplay and adult leagues. This serve is effective, easy to do, and predictable. Once players transition to a more competitive league, underhand serving may no longer be permitted.

Overhand Serving

The overhand serve is the bane to many volleyball players existence. It can be something you just “get”, or need to continually work on. I find that the overhand serve is something that you grow into and find your own take on. Many coaches are moving past teaching the understand to swoop right in and teach the overhand. I actually agree! This serve can be something that takes a player some time. Why not start now?

Standing Float Serve

In order for you to standing float serve, you have to have your overhand down! The steps are so very similar yet the results can be far more deadly (cue the scared passer receiving the float serve).

Standing Top Spin Serve

My Golly, have I seen some topspin serves. These can be killer! If conducted correctly. These serves have a high level of unpredictability because they require the ball to go so fast and drop so quickly at an angle, that sometimes the ball goes right.into.the.net. You have to be very intentional about these serves and practice them at length before you run off and do it in a game.

Jump Float Serve

This is just like the standing float serve, except you’re adding some air to it! Love it!

Jump Serve

It seems that all new volleyball players want to quickly progress from underhand to straight jump serve. Is it possible? Yes. 100% possible? Prob not. This serve is something that takes time, patience, footwork, and just a dash of luck. Many men’s players at a very high level utilize this serve and you can see some of those videos on YouTube. But be wary, watching volleyball online can cause insecurity. Fret not! We are here to learn more about the game and become more confidence in yourself and your skills.

Where Do You Start?

Now you may be thinking where should you start. It all depends on the level of player that you currently are! If you know you have some knowledge and skill in the game, keep working on your overhand serve. If you are new to the game, I too believe you should at least start your overhand serve because it may take you some time to learn. All in all, volleyball is a wonderful sport and is something that you will have to practice to make perfect! Don’t worry, i’m here to help you along the way! Don’t forget to share this post!