Q&A for How to Spike a Volleyball

You could try doing what people call a "football warm up". Just jump really fast and small, kind of like jogging in place. It's supposed to get your legs tired, so do it for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Take a break and try for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Then break again. Then jump as high as you can 10 times, take a break in between each one. Then do 15 good slow squats without stopping, you can take a break before starting. Repeat the whole process 2 more times, and remember to drink plenty of water.

Bend down as far as possible and let it just hit your wrists. It will go forward or propel upwards and your teammates will do the rest (you can't hit the ball twice after you just hit it).

While it is not against the rules, doing so may injure your fingers. Also, if you use your fist, you can't block or angle where ball goes; the opponents can see exactly where you are going to spike the ball, which means they can successfully defend. It's not the best of ideas therefore.

Yes.

It is better to hit the ball with the palm of your hand; you'll get a lot more power. Hitting it with your wrist isn't illegal but it will minimize your power.

That depends on you. If you are determined to learn how to do it, and you practice everyday, then you should learn pretty fast.

Using momentum through your legs, hit the ball at the top with your palm. This creates top spin and causes the ball to lift slightly upon impact.

Yes. You may practice doing jumps in place as high as you can possibly for 2-2:30 minutes. Then take a break and restart. Then take another break and do some squats. If you practice more and more, you'll be able to jump to spike the ball.

Each play starts off with a serve. The server steps behind the line at the very back of the court, called the end line, and has freedom to serve from wherever he or she pleases as long as the foot does not touch or cross the line. If the server’s foot crosses the end line, it is considered a foot fault, and results in a side-out—a change in possession—of the ball.

When you jump up to spike the ball, the best position is slightly sideways and in the "archer" position. This means you have one arm out in front of you to aim and steady yourself, while the other arm is bent at the elbow, and your hand is near your ear or above your head. From here, it is easy to extend your arm and spike the ball. This position is assumed after you have approached the net and have jumped up for the kill.

Everyone's ready position is similar. Squat down close enough to the ground and be aware of the ball.

Practice at home by jumping up and slapping sticky notes on the wall of your bedroom as high as you can. Make it a point to beat that last sticky note. In no time, you will be jumping like an NBA star.

Approach as soon as the setter sets (touches) you the ball. When the ball is on its way to the setter, forward your right foot (right-handed) to prepare for the approach.

Doing lots of leg exercises like squats help with jumping higher. Jumping rope helps with fast feet. The faster the approach, the better contact on the ball. As for spiking, get a high wall and practice hitting. Snap you wrist and the ball should come right back.

An explosive attack confuses your opponents, as they don't have time to see where you're aiming the ball. Focus on getting your three steps to be as fast as possible.

No, because, depending on which arm you have in the air, you will be at an awkward angle, and either be too late or too early on hitting the ball. If you squat mid-air, you will be taking away the power from your jump.

Practice. Know the position of the ball, know the speed and jump toward it and stretch your arms. As you practice, it will get easier.

While volleyball is a sport where you can use any part of your body, it's not always safe to do so. Many famous receivers have saved the ball using their legs, but only as a last resort.

It is better if you are, but it is not totally necessary. Just be sure you have a good, hard hit.

You should have an open hand or a half-fist. This will give you more power and control of the ball when you spike it.

You just have to get your hips around the ball (facing the court) and time your approach and jump correctly. When you swing your arm at the ball and your hips aren't in the right position, the ball tends to go haywire.

In a match, there is no time to be confused, but it happens. You don't HAVE to spike. If you're late to the ball, just toss it over, or if the set was bad, just tip it.

The key is timing. Depending on what position you are and how your setter sets, you can figure out at what stage of their set you need to start your approach, it is usually right when the ball is leaving their hands.

It depends on how the ball is set. If the ball is set with a big arch, you have to time it yourself. If the ball has a less arched trajectory, you should start going in for the jump when the ball is being set up. If you spike very close to the setter and the ball's trajectory is almost straight, you should be on your last step right before the jump when the ball touches the setter's hand.

No, it will not. However, you will have a better angle on the ball to hit it even more directly down, making it extremely hard to receive. It can also be easier to hit the ball from higher up.

While hitting the volleyball you should use your fingers to control where the ball goes to your opponents side of the court. The way to do this is like throwing a basketball into a hoop or throwing a baseball. You need to make full contact with the palm of your hand, like you're giving a high five and flick your fingers for the last contact of the volleyball.

Start your approach when the ball is at its highest point in the air. That way, you will be at the perfect spot to hit the ball. Not too above the ball and not too below.

Position your toes and hips toward the hitter if you're expecting the ball to go straight toward you. Be in the ready position, stay low, and be prepared to receive the hit. When you see the ball coming toward you, build your platform. You can adjust the angle of your platform to control your receive better.

Timing is key when it comes to the approach. You never want to start too far back or too far forward. You should never jump as soon as the ball is hit by the setter, wait until the ball is on its way down unless the ball has an extremely low arc. When it comes to setting, don't hit it to the spikers unless they are ready to spike. Be confident!

Start out with your dominant foot in front of you. Then take one giant step in front of you and then two small steps, crouch down low and jump, putting both hands in the air. Take your dominant hand and pull it back like you would to serve, and hit the ball down with as much force as you can muster.