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SERVING
(Floater & Jump)

FLOATER SERVE (Toss, step, hit sequence)

Definition: In this serve we want the ball to dance or float along making it hard to pass. This ball does not rotate though the air like the topspin or jump serve. This ball should not break the air but the air should move the ball in an unpredictable manner. The passer cannot read this balls flight pattern as easily as a jump or spinning serve.

Key Elements:

1. ROUTINE:

  • Develop a routine: Something that is comfortable for you to get your rhythm.
  • Take your time and practice good habits.

2. TOSS

  • Cup your non-serving hand and let the ball rest in it
  • Move the ball in front of your hitting arm
  • Toss the ball without spin about 1- 1.5 feet above your hitting arm, in front of your body
  • Toss a Floater- Hit a Floater!
  • For a short serve you should toss the ball back into your body

3. STEP

  • Star with your opposite foot forward (opposite to your contact hand)
  • After you toss- step into the ball and shift your weight forward
  • This will produce more power behind the ball
  • Step straight towards your target with a tall posture

4. HIT (CONTACT)

  • Star & finish with a Solid & Straight hitting hand
  • Draw your hand back with your elbow high as you toss the ball
  • You want to contact the ball with the palm of your hand (open hand)
  • Smack the back of the ball with a solid contact
  • Pop or smack the ball like it is hot!
  • Have a quick and strong contact

JUMP SERVE (Toss, Adjust, Hit)

Definition: This is a strong serve that is a meant to overpower your opponents. With the jump serve you want to generate as much power behind the ball as possible. This skill is very similar to the spike but you get to set (toss) yourself. Use the same approach as your spike approach. This serve has severe top and side spin and should dive into the opposing court. This is a very aggressive serve. You must jump behind the baseline but you can land anywhere.

Key Elements:

1. ROUTINE:

  • Develop a routine: Something that is comfortable for you to get your rhythm.
  • Take your time and practice good habits. Take a moment to get set and pick a spot.

2. TOSS:

  • Toss with your hitting hand and use your non- hitting hand as a guide
  • Let the ball roll off your fingers- which will produce topspin
  • Toss the ball approx. About 10 Feet high - This will allow you time to adjust and approach
  • Toss the ball about 5-8 feet out in front of your body- This will allow you enough space.

3. APPROACH:

  • Use your same spike approach and jump to jump serve.
  • Right Handers - Use a Left, Right- Left approach
  • Left Handers - Use a Right, Left- Right approach

4. REACH & SNAP

  • Reach as high as you can with a Big Hand!
  • Using your arm like a whip- snap over the ball with your wrist.
  • This motion should produce topspin or side spin.
  • Be aggressive and take a rip at the ball.