Overhand Float Serve Volleyball Tips Score More Aces In Volleyball

With these overhand float serve volleyball tips discover two specific court zones you can serve to in order to increase the chances of scoring more aces.

Overhand Float Serve Volleyball Tips Score More Aces In Volleyball Score direct points or place the opposing team in difficulty by learning where to serve a volleyball strategically. (Richard Yuan)

An overhand float serve in volleyball is a serving technique where the player contacts the ball with an open hand using a flat palm and firmly held non bending wrist.

Unlike a spin serve, the goal of a float serve is to minimize spin on the ball, creating a consistent and unpredictable path as it travels through the air.

The lack of spin on the ball results in it "floating" or moving erratically, making it challenging for the receiving team to anticipate and accurately pass.

Ryanwils, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The overhand float serve primarily relies on the player's hand and arm overhead motion to consistently contact the middle panels of the ball in order to generate power and consistency.

By mastering this technique, players can effectively disrupt the opposing team's reception and gain an advantage in the game.

1. Ball Holding Hand Position:

Begin by positioning your non-dominant tossing hand with palm up and open to the ceiling balancing the ball in the middle of the palm below the ball to stabilize it.

Keep your fingers spread naturally to cover the most ball space and for better control.

Non ball holding dominant serving arm should extend above your head with palm facing outward.

I tell my clients that both arms are held so they look like they're forming the shape of the letter "L". 

To be clear the left arm and hand is extended straight out in front of you with palm up holding the ball and right arm and hand is extended above your head with elbow held close to your ear and palm facing outward. 

Check out how Addi does it in the video below. 

Feet and Footwork For Serve Approach:

Feet are also in the shape of the letter L with your body weight on your right foot and left foot pointed towards where you want the ball to go across the net. 

You would follow this rhythm of footwork combined with your ball toss as you approach the service line 

Three step serve approach for right hander:

1. Step on left foot

2. Toss the ball 2-3 feet in the air in the path in front of your serving arm

3. Step close ...so step with your right foot and then your left foot ...then launch yourself in the air while staying behind the service line 

Four step serve approach for right handed server:

1. Step on right foot, then left foot

2. Toss the ball 2-3 feet in the air in the path in front of your serving arm

3. Step with your right foot and then your left foot (also known as the step-close)...then launch yourself in the air while staying behind the service line 

2. Contact Point:

As you initiate the serve, bring your dominant hand forward and swing it towards the ball aiming to make contact with the middle panels of the ball using the top meaty part of your palm to create a firm and flat hand surface.

3. Wrist Position:

Maintain a firm wrist throughout the arm swing serve motion. Avoid excessive wrist snap or spin to achieve the desired lack of rotation on the ball.

4. Ball Toss:

Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand at waist level. Execute a controlled upward toss with a consistent trajectory, pace and height when it leaves your hand.

Aim for a toss that allows you to contact the ball at the highest point of your jump.

5. Weight Transfer and Body Rotation:

As you initiate the serve, transfer your weight from back foot to your front foot by stepping forward with your leading foot.

After you finish your last two steps that launch you in the air, rotate your hips and shoulders at the height of your jump while you're swinging your arm towards the ball, to generate power for your serve.

6. Follow-through:

After contacting the ball, extend your arm fully freezing your shoulder in the air for a millisecond to allow for a complete follow-through.

Keep your hand and hips pointing towards the target to insure better accuracy on getting the ball to the intended target. 

Consistency and Repetition:

Practice regularly to develop a consistent and accurate overhand float serve. Focus on repetition to refine your technique, timing, and ball control.

Visualization and Mental Preparation:

Mental preparation is vital for a successful serve.

Visualize the desired trajectory, accuracy, and the desired outcome of your serve before executing it. This mental focus can increase confidence and improve your serve's effectiveness.

Remember, mastering the overhand float serve requires patience, practice, and attention to detail.

By focusing on hand position, contact point, body rotation, and developing a reliable toss, you can achieve greater control and effectiveness in executing the overhand float serve.

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!

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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 

Your options are: 

1. You can learn more about Strategy by visiting the related links below.                            
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 
4. Before leaving this page Say "Hi" to Miss Tattoo the Tiger wearing the #9 jersey below.  Miss Tattoo is the starting defensive and serving specialist for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.

Say "Hi" to Miss Tattoo the Tiger wearing the #9 jersey below. Miss Tattoo is the starting defensive and serving specialist for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.

1. Improve Your Volleyball Performance with Private Volleyball Coach April Chapple
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2. Volleyball Plays Why A Setters Sets Vary In Speed, Height And Location
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3. Overhand Float Serve Volleyball Tips Score More Aces In Volleyball

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