The jump serve is the highest-level serve. Higher contact, more power, harder to receive. It’s a hybrid of a spike and a serve. Hard to learn but worth introducing at 11-12 for the kids who are ready.
What you need: A volleyball, a net at regulation, open court.
Setup: Server starts 5 feet behind the back line.
How to run it:
- Cue: Toss, Step, Reach, Snap.
- Toss the ball forward and high (more forward than a stationary serve).
- Take a three-step approach (like a spike).
- Plant and jump.
- Contact the ball above the head while in the air. Snap the wrist for power.
What to watch: The toss. Jump serve toss has to be forward enough that the player can run under it. Too short and they jump under it. Too far and they overrun it.
If they’re struggling: Stay with the stationary overhand serve. Build that to consistency before adding the jump.
If they’ve got it: Add target zones. Or move to a top-spin jump serve.