Basic Skills

Serving Terms

Serve - A serve is how every rally in volleyball begins. The player standing in the right-back position (Position #1) starts the play when the referee blows the whistle. They stand behind the endline and have 8 seconds to serve the ball. The goal is to send the ball over the net and into the other team’s court. A good serve can use placement (aiming for open space), spin (making it harder to pass), and/or power (serving fast and strong). The common types of serves are float, jump, or spin serve. Younger or beginner players often use an underhand serve to build confidence and consistency.

Float Serve - A float serve travels straight and “floats” unpredictably in the air and has little to no spin. The server hits the ball with a strong, flat hand so it travels straight over the net. Because the ball isn’t spinning, it can float and move slightly in the air, which makes it harder for the other team to pass. Float serves are more about clean contact, good aim, and control rather than power and hitting the ball as hard as you can.

Jump Serve - A jump serve is a strong overhand serve where the player tosses the ball high, takes a few quick steps, jumps, and hits it in the air. Jumping lets you contact the ball higher, which helps create more power, speed, and a sharper angle over the net. Jump serves can have topspin or be hit as a jump float. They take good timing and practice.

Spin Serve - A spin serve is a more advanced serve where the server jumps and hits the ball with topspin, making it rotate forward in the air. The spin causes the ball to drop faster and harder once it crosses the net. This makes it tricky for the other team to pass because it can dip suddenly. They take practice, timing, and strong arm control to master.

Pass - There are several different types of passes in volleyball. Some examples are: a forearm pass (bump), the overhand pass (set pass), pancake save, and dive / extension pass. See each definition for further explanation.  

Forearm Pass (Bump) - A forearm pass is a fundamental volleyball skill used to receive a serve, an attack, or any ball sent over by the opponent. The player joins their hands together and contacts the ball with the flat surface of their forearms, creating a stable platform. By using their legs and proper body positioning, they guide the ball toward the setter’s target area. A controlled forearm pass is essential for running an effective offense. 

Overhand Pass (Set Pass) - An overhand pass is different from a set because the overhand pass’ purpose is to control the first contact and direct the ball to the setter’s target, not to run the offense. It is used to speed up the offence, or if the ball is too high, fast, or difficult for a forearm pass. The player contacts the ball with their fingertips above the forehead to absorb the speed of the ball using soft, controlled hands. This skill requires quick reaction time and good hand strength. Depending on the age group and rules, it may be used in serve receive.

Dive / extension pass - A dive or extension pass is a defensive move used when the ball is out of reach while standing, usually in an emergency situation. The player extends their body forward or sideways, often leaving their feet, to contact the ball with their forearms or one arm. The goal is to keep the ball from touching the floor and continue the rally. This technique requires quick reactions, body control, and proper landing mechanics. While less controlled than a standard forearm pass, it can successfully redirect the ball and continue the rally.