When volleyball was first invented it wasn’t exactly the same as the volleyball we know today. In fact it was not even called volleyball, it was first known as Mintonette . Invented in 1895 in Holyoke, Massachusetts by William G. Morgan a physical education instructor at the time. It was a much less rougher although just as physically demanding alternative to basketball which had just been invented only ten miles down the road in Springfield, Massachsettess. After you learn the basics of volleyball it is time to learn the most effective move in the sport, this technique is known as spiking the ball.

First let’s go over the basics in volleyball you are trying to score by getting the ball to touch the ground on the opposing side of the court. A very effective way to do this is spiking the ball straight at the opponent. There are several different types of spiking techniques but in all reality volley ball spiking is leaping upward and crushing the ball straight downward on the other side of the net. Some of the different types of spiking include the middle hit, the outside hit, and a back court spike etc.

To prepare yourself to spike the ball you will need to get your form down pat. You start by having your off foot back a way’s from your dominant foot. Always take your first step with your back foot, the purpose of this first step is to create some good speed and cover ground so be sure to make it a powerful one. Now take a step with your other foot so you can continue to create more speed and cover more distance. You can alter the speed and size of your steps depending on how far from the net you are.

For instance if the ball is farther away take bigger steps and vice versa.

Now you are ready for the next step. As you take your last step plant your feet firmly on the ground so that you have a strong jumping base. Be sure to keep your hitting shoulder turned at about a 35 degree angle away from the net. This allows you to generate more power and keep an eye on the ball while it’s flying towards you. Now swing both arms upward so that you get your whole body into the leap. Doing this will help you get higher, you want to get as high as you possibly can, this will make it easier to spike the ball.

As your leap takes you higher and higher raise both arms over your head. Then once you reach your highest point swing your right arm back and bend it to about a 90 degree angle. Now rotate your right shoulder and swing your elbow forward very fast. This should, if you’ve done it right it cause your forearm to rapidly swing forward like a whip. Keep an eye on the ball and give it a hard smack. This should make your hand snap off the ball like a whip, and you can watch your opponent cry as the ball whizzes past their head and you score a point.

Author Bio: Hayley Merrett, Author and Volleyball Coach Start winning more games now! Put the thrill and excitement of consistently winning back into your teams life. Sign up for 20 free drills at Volleyball Drills

Category: Sports
Keywords: volleyball drills, volleyball spiking