How to Spike a Volyball

This is a project for those trying to improve their spiking ability. many people think that in order to be an excellent outside hitter you have to be really tall or have to jump very high, while those do help spiking has much more technical than it seems.

There is the only thing you really need in order to improve your spiking ability, a Volleyball. Optional tools required would be a Volleyball net and a friend who can help set you the ball

Arguably the most important step when it comes to spiking is the approach.

The first part of the 3 step approach begins with which hand you intend to strike the ball. If you strike the ball with your left hand, you take a short first step with the right foot and the opposite goes to the right-handed hitter.

The second step is where all the power comes from. This is a quick long step that is taken with your dominant foot. As your front foot's heel hits the ground, you swing your arms in order to shift your weight forward. Shifting your weight in this step is crucial because it allows you to gain an extra boost in momentum when jumping off the ground.

The third and final step of the three-step approach allows is where you to begin your jump. It's important to keep in mind that your jump should be straight up and not forward. Your forward momentum from your previous step will carry you forward. One of the most important parts of this step is all about your arm motions, at the start of step 3, your arms should be as far back and high as possible. The next short step allows you to set your plant feet in order to take off. As your feet meet your bring arms down and prepare for lift-off.

Once you've completed the 3-steps you're ready to jump. Before your jump, you should be in a position with your knees bent and your arms at your side. As you jump you swing your arms up and begin to set your hands in a spiking position

As you're in the air your hand positions are crucial. Just like in basketball where you have a guiding hand on the side of the ball when you shoot, you also have a guiding hand in Volleyball when you spike. Your weak hand will be where you want the ball to be when you hit it. When it comes time to spike it you snap your wrist and hit the ball.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the tempo of the set you receive. The Tempo of the set is what trajectory is when the ball is sent toward you. Based on this trajectory is when you would start your three-step approach. If the ball is set at tempo 3 you have time to time your jump and get a solid spike in. Tempo 3 is when you have to start your run as the ball is in the setter's hands, this way you get in the air quicker for a much faster spike. Tempo 1 is when you should be ready to jump as the ball is set this way you can catch the defense of guard and hit them with a quick attack.