Volleyball Spike
The volleyball spike is probably the single most exciting play to see in a volleyball game. Watching a game of volleyball is pretty thrilling anyway, because there is a lot of action and power out on the volleyball court. But nothing gets the crowd's attention like the site and sound of a perfectly timed, flawlessly placed and totally unbeatable volleyball spike.
Here is what you need to do to perform a spectacular volleyball spike:
• Start by standing back a few paces from the net. This should be adjusted depending on how big your strides are.
• Keep your eyes on the setter to anticipate where the ball will go once it is in the air, and then prepare yourself to make contact with the ball as soon as it arrives in that spot.
• Begin your approach once the ball is set. You will take three steps - one long and two short - and then jump up to hit the ball. If you are right handed, you want to start your approach with your left foot, as in left - right - left - right - jump. If you are left handed then go with your right foot first.
• Focusing on the point of contact, blast into your first long step while raising both arms in front of your body.
• Then quickly take your two shorter steps and at the same time, swing your arms behind you.
• Next you bend your knees and jump up, powerfully swinging your arms forward to give you the momentum for some serious height.
• Continue to jump higher as you bend your elbow, bringing your hitting arm backward, towards the back of your head, with your palm open and facing up. At the same time, point your other hand at the ball.
• Now it's time to pummel that ball! Go ahead and give it a strong smack, using the heel of your hand, snapping your wrist down so you get a good topspin on the ball for maximum velocity as it hurls toward the opposing team's floor.
• Always follow through, completing the shot with your arms next to your body. And remember to bend your knees as you land for shock absorption.
Things to remember when performing a volleyball spike:
• Take care not to hit the net with your hitting hand or arm, because this will result in a fault.
• Keep your eye on the setter so you can accurately estimate where your contact with the ball will be. If you are not in the correct spot when you jump to make your spike, you will miss the ball or hit it incorrectly.
• Make sure you use the heel of your hand to hit the ball. It should make a nice solid, "bam" sound when it is properly hit. Never slap the ball, as this will not give you the power you need to achieve the desired results.
• If you want to improve your volleyball spiking skills, work your abdominal muscles and strengthen your legs so you can get a high, strong and straight jump.