overhand serves

Question
So I have played 2 seasons of high school volleyball, and I still cannot get my serve to go over the net. Hitting the ball towards the ground proves that I have enough arm strength, yet the ball just will not go where I want it to go when I serve. Lately I have been practicing and have been able to get the height that I want, but not the distance. Any advice?

Answer
Good morning!

Some girls just have trouble serving overhand.  At every camp I direct, I tell the campers about Angie, a senior, 18 years old, on my 1994 vball team.  She never could serve overhand; yet, had a devastating underhand serve that she used each and every night.  

For most girls your age who can't serve overhand, it's a question of arm speed.  Sure you can change your toss (I'm sure you've tried!) and you can change your footwork.  But for most 16's who can't serve overhand, it's an armspeed thing.

Here are some other ideas that may help.  

Footwork:  Try a bigger left foot step (assuming you're right handed).  You may also want to try a "stroll," where you take 2 or 3 steps, the last one being with your left.  

Toss:  Try to toss it lower.  Try to toss it in front of the right side of your body (assuming you're right handed).  And, after being comfortable with your footwork, keep the toss right over your face.  

Your Hand:  Don't drop it.  Both before and after you toss the ball, keep it up above you shoulder, never allowing it to drop below shoulder height.  

If these don't help, then it's arm speed. Go out and throw footballs as hard as you can.  Go out and throw baseballs.  Go and serve a vball as hard as you can.  If you can increase your arm speed, then you'll be in business.  

Tell me if any of this helps you.  Please email me at [email protected].  Thank you for visiting www.allexperts.com.  Please visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  Have a great weekend.  

Coach Houser