5 Essential Serving Tips from Tennessee's #2 Career Aces Record Holder

I've identified the 5 essential serving tips that separate confident servers from struggling ones and you'll serve with the confidence that creates aces.

What You'll Get FREE: ✓ 23 systematic serving tips from Tennessee's #2 career aces record holder ✓ Body-part-specific breakdowns you won't find anywhere else ✓ Beginner-friendly techniques that build proper habits from day one ✓ Instant PDF download - no credit card required ✓ Same methods that developed multiple Gatorade Players of the YearWhat You'll Get FREE: ✓ 23 systematic serving tips from Tennessee's #2 career aces record holder ✓ Body-part-specific breakdowns you won't find anywhere else ✓ Beginner-friendly techniques that build proper habits from day one ✓ Instant PDF download - no credit card required ✓ Same methods that developed multiple Gatorade Players of the Year

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After 40+ years playing and coaching volleyball at the highest levels, I've identified the 5 essential serving tips that separate confident servers from struggling ones.

Master these basics and you'll serve with the systematic approach that creates aces.


I've identified the 5 essential serving tips that separate confident servers from struggling ones and you'll serve with the confidence that creates acesI've identified the 5 essential serving tips that separate confident servers from struggling ones and you'll serve with the confidence that creates aces

Stop serving scared and start serving with confidence. Get my 5 essential serving fundamentals—each with 4 detailed techniques—that transform nervous servers into players coaches trust in crucial moments.


What You'll Get FREE:


  • ✓ 23 systematic essential serving tips from Tennessee's #2 career aces record holder
  • ✓ Body-part-specific breakdowns you won't find anywhere else
  • ✓ Beginner-friendly techniques that build proper habits from day one
  • ✓ Instant PDF download - no credit card required
  • ✓ Same methods that developed multiple Gatorade Players of the Year

Inside Your FREE Guide:


  • Perfect stance and positioning fundamentals
  • The "Two Up, One Forward" toss formula that creates consistency
  • How to stop chasing your toss and losing balance
  • Mental approach techniques for pressure situations
  • Proper elbow positioning for power and accuracy
  • Plus 20 additional detailed breakdowns

Why This is Different?


These aren't generic "practice more" tips. These are detailed, body-part-specific techniques from 40+ years playing professionally (Tennessee Hall of Fame, USA National Team) and 15+ years coaching college-recruited athletes.


Get 23 FREE Serving Tips!
Stop serving scared and start serving with confidence.

Get the essential serving tips that transform nervous servers into players coaches trust in crucial moments.

Instant download. 23 systematic tips from a Tennessee Hall of Famer. No credit card required.


Your Next Step:

Enter your email and get instant access to all 23 serving tips. Start improving your serves today with systematic techniques that actually work.


Why Most Players Struggle With Serving (And How to Fix It



Here's what I see every day in Las Vegas:

Players practice serving for hours, but they're practicing the WRONG things. They focus on getting the ball over instead of mastering the fundamentals that create consistency.

The result?

  • Serves that work in practice but fail in games
  • Coaches who don't trust them in crucial moments
  • Watching less-dedicated players get serving opportunities

The truth?

Serving isn't about power or luck. It's about systematic fundamentals that build automatic consistency.

Master these 5 essentials (with detailed breakdowns for each), and you'll serve with the confidence that earns playing time.Master these 5 essentials (with detailed breakdowns for each), and you'll serve with the confidence that earns playing time.

Tip #1 Perfect Your Stance
Beginner Volleyball Serve Checklist

Shop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Keep front foot pointed towards your serving target (left foot for rt handers; rt foot for left handers)Shop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Keep front foot pointed towards your serving target (left foot for rt handers; rt foot for left handers)

Place your right foot behind your left, perpendicular, 4-5 inches apart. This balanced position gives you consistent power without falling over.

Why this matters?

Without the proper stance, everything else falls apart. I've seen talented players struggle for months because no one taught them this simple foundation.

Your Toss Controls Everything

You can have perfect technique, but if your toss is inconsistent, your serves will be unpredictable.

After analyzing thousands of serves from players at every level, I can tell you this: The toss is where 80% of serving errors begin.

Fix your toss, fix your serve. It's that simple.


Tip #2 Master the 'Two Up, One Forward' Toss Formula
Beginner Volleyball Serve Checklist




Watch how my private client Katelyn practices the "Two Up, One Forward" toss formula. Notice how her toss stays consistent whether serving from left back, middle back, or right back—that's the systematic approach that creates confident servers.

Why this formula works:

It's not random. Two feet up gives you time to rotate your hips and arm. One foot forward puts the ball in the path of your serving arm. This is physics, not guesswork.


How to find your perfect toss location; Toss the ball 2 feet in the air, let it drop so its 6-12 inches in front of the big toe of your front foot.


The Mistake That Destroys Balance

Here's what happens in games:

Your toss goes slightly left. You reach for it. Your body twists. Your serve goes into the net or flies out past the endline.

Sound familiar?

This single mistake keeps more players on the bench than any other technical error.

But it's completely fixable.


Tip #3 Stop Chasing Your Toss
Beginner Volleyball Serve Checklist

Shop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Don’t serve the ball just “to get it over” Pre-plan to serve an aggressive ball for a point. Attack the toss with a flat hand contact keeping your elbow high (photo by Ralph Aversen)Shop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Don’t serve the ball just “to get it over” Pre-plan to serve an aggressive ball for a point. Attack the toss with a flat hand contact keeping your elbow high (photo by Ralph Aversen)

What I tell my private clients:

A bad toss is a gift. It's telling you to reset and do it right. Champions let bad tosses fall to the floor in practice. Bench players chase them and miss.

Avoid swinging at a toss that’s too far left or right of your front foot. This will knock you off balance. Let bad tosses fall to the ground in practice, then redo until you recognize the perfectly placed toss. 

Let bad tosses fall to the ground in practice, then redo until you recognize the perfectly placed toss.Let bad tosses fall to the ground in practice, then redo until you recognize the perfectly placed toss.

Ready to Master All 23 Techniques?

You're learning the foundation right now. But there are 18 more detailed breakdowns waiting for you in the complete guide.


Download My Complete Free Guide

Get instant access to all 23 systematic serving tips - no credit card required.


Shop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Don’t overthink your serve. Lots of practice tossing and swinging reps reduces nervousness and builds consistencyShop Small: Support A Real Coach With Real Training and Real Results. Don’t overthink your serve. Lots of practice tossing and swinging reps reduces nervousness and builds consistency

Quick Win: Practice This Tonight

Before your next practice or game, do this simple drill:

1. Stand at the service line
2. Practice 20 tosses (don't serve - just toss)
3. Let each toss fall to the ground
4. Mark where they land with tape or chalk
5. Goal: Get 15 out of 20 landing within 6-12 inches in front and slightly to the right of your front foot toe

This 10-minute drill will transform your serving consistency faster than anything else you can do.


The Mental Game Separates Good from Great


Two players with identical technique will get different results based on their mental approach.

I've coached players who could serve perfectly in practice but fell apart in games. The difference? They didn't have a consistent mental routine.

Here's how to fix that:


TIP #4: Take Your Full 8 Seconds 
Beginner Volleyball Serve Checklist

Develop a pre-serve routine you do EVERY single time:

  • Bounce the ball 2-5 times (same number every serve)
  • I recommend to my players if you feel comfortable ..when you're bouncing the ball close your eyes for a few seconds before looking up then
  • Take one deep breath
  • Visualize your serve landing exactly where you want it
  • Point your front foot at your intended serving target whether its a player or a particular  area on the opposing court
  • Make sure your body is facing your intended target
  • Execute

Why this works:

Your routine eliminates variables. When everything else is the same, your serve becomes automatic - even under pressure.

Championship mindset:

I treated every serve like a spike - adopting the same aggressive, purposeful, designed to score points mindset, while using my serving technique to not just start rallies but to attempt to score points from behind the service line.


Technical Precision Creates Power


Here's what beginners don't understand:

They think serving power comes from swinging harder. It doesn't.

Power comes from:

  • Proper high elbow position (above ear level)
  • Weight transfer with hip swivel (back foot to front foot)
  • Clean 'flat-hand high 5) ball contact (using middle of the palm to contact the middle panels of the ball)
  • 'Stop and Pop' follow-through (complete arm extension)

Get these right, and power becomes effortless.


Tip #5 Contact and Follow Through
Beginner Volleyball Serve Checklist

Don’t overthink your serve. Lots of practice tossing and swinging reps reduces nervousness and builds consistencyDon’t overthink your serve. Lots of practice tossing and swinging reps reduces nervousness and builds consistency

The "high-five" technique:

This isn't cute coaching language. It's biomechanics. When you high-five someone,

  • your hand is naturally flat, 
  • your wrist is firm, 
  • your elbow is high and 
  • your fingers are spread wide. 

That's EXACTLY how you should contact the ball.

Pro tip:

Watch your hand when you contact the ball (just like you watch your hand when you high-five a friend). This creates consistent contact every single time.

Practice your serving tosses so much that when you decide to serve a deep ball or a short ball your toss remains the same height and same location in the path of your serving arm, in front of your front foot pointing to your target.

Hold the volleyball in your non-dominant hand. The other hand/arm (the dominant or serving hand) is extended above your head with palm of hand kept flat and facing the opposite wall, ready to strike.

At the height of the toss,

  • swivel your hips
  • while shifting your weight from your back foot to your front back 
  • keeping your elbow high and 
  • with flat-handed palm 
  • use to "high-five" the ball 
  • using the middle of your palm to contact the middle panels of the ball to promote the "float" effect.

From Beginner to Confident Server in 30 Days
Coach April’s Essential Serving Tips


At the height of the toss “high-five” the ball using the middle of your palm to contact the middle panels of the ball to promote the ‘float” effectAt the height of the toss “high-five” the ball using the middle of your palm to contact the middle panels of the ball to promote the ‘float” effect

Here's the reality:

These 5 essential tips (with 23 detailed breakdowns) will dramatically improve your serving. You'll see results in your next practice.

But if you want to go from "improved" to "dominant"?

You need the complete systematic approach that covers:

  • Advanced tactical targeting (where to serve for maximum impact)
  • Pressure-situation protocols (how to serve when it matters most)
  • Error correction methods (fixing problems before they become habits)
  • Jump float technique (the serve that dominates at higher levels)

That's what my Complete Beginner Serving System delivers.

Once you've mastered the basics, isn't it time to expand your serving arsenal?

The best servers have multiple weapons - here's how to build yours.


What You Get FREE vs. Complete System

Your Free Guide (23 Tips):

  • ✓ 5 essential fundamentals with detailed breakdowns
  • ✓ Foundation techniques for confident serving
  • ✓ Perfect for players just learning to serve


Complete Beginner Serving System ($27)

  • ✓ Everything in the free guide PLUS
  • ✓ 80+ detailed checkpoints across 4 comprehensive checklists
  • ✓ Advanced error correction methods
  • ✓ Mental training for pressure situations
  • ✓ Systematic 30-day development plan
  • ✓ Same methods that developed college-recruited athletes


What Players Are Saying:

"Coach April's systematic approach transformed my serving in 2 weeks. I went from scared to serve to the player my coach trusts in crucial moments."
- Marcus T., Las Vegas High School

"The body-part-specific breakdowns made everything click. I finally understood WHY my serves were inconsistent."
- Elena S., Club Volleyball Player

"My daughter used these techniques and earned a starting spot on varsity as a freshman."
- Parent of JV-to-Varsity Player


Common Questions About These Serving Tips

Q: "I'm a complete beginner. Will these tips work for me?"

A: Absolutely. These are the exact fundamentals I teach 11-year-olds learning their first serve. Start with Tip #1 and progress systematically.

Q: "How long until I see improvement?"

A: Most players see noticeable improvement within 1-2 practices if they focus on just ONE tip at a time. Master the stance first, then add the toss, etc.

Q: "Do these tips work for jump serves too?"

A: Yes! The fundamentals (stance, toss, contact) are the same. The free guide covers standing serves. The Complete Serving Mastery System includes jump float technique.

Q: "What if I'm already serving well but want to be more consistent?"

A: Then you're ready for the Advanced Player Serving Arsenal which covers tactical targeting and pressure-situation protocols.


Your Serving Journey Starts With One Download


Your serving journey starts with one download...

You have two choices...

Choice 1:

Keep struggling with inconsistent serves and hoping they improve randomly

Choice 2:

Download my free 23-tip guide and start serving with systematic confidence today

  • The download is free.
  • The improvement is guaranteed.

Download my free 23-tip guide and start serving with systematic confidence right now.



Your Next Step: Choose Your Path

These 5 essential tips (with 23 detailed breakdowns) give you the foundation every confident server needs.

Foundation gets you started. Mastery gets you noticed.

Ready to dominate from the service line?




Or start with the free guide and upgrade later:


Either way, you're taking action today.

That's what separates players who improve from those who stay stuck.

Questions? Contact Me:

Email: info@improveyourvolley.com
Website: ImproveYourVolley.com

  • Coach April Chapple                          Tennessee Hall of Fame | Ex-USA National Team                           
  • ImproveYourVolley.com               
  • info@improveyourvolley.com

If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

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Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.



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NOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more informationNOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open

From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

What Are You Looking For?

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -

Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide

Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)


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Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


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as seen as on USA News InfluencerTennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements
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Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



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More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

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Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
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In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

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