Underhand Serving in Middle/High School Volleyball: Understanding the Rules and Training Tips

Is it allowed to serve underhand in middle and high school volleyball? The short answer is a resounding yes! Underhand serving is not only legal but also a viable option for players who feel more comfortable with it. While overhand serving is more common at higher levels, underhand serves provide a solid foundation for beginner players. However, as players progress, the importance of mastering additional serve styles cannot be understated.

Are You Allowed to Serve Underhand in Middle/High School Volleyball?

Yes. Underhand serving is allowed in middle and high school volleyball, and it has its advantages. For one, it is easier to learn and perform, making it an ideal choice for beginner players.

Underhand serving involves a simple technique. Stand approximately 3 or 4 feet beyond the service line, toss the ball slightly higher with your non-dominant hand, and hit it with the palm of your dominant hand, aiming it over the net and towards the opponent's court. While underhand serves are a legal and acceptable option, it's essential to understand that as players advance, the importance of mastering various serving techniques increases.

When players enter the competitive levels of volleyball, such as club, university, or professional play, overhand serves become a crucial skill. The ease with which an underhand serve can be received poses a significant advantage for the opposing team, often resulting in an easy point and a shift in momentum.

Training Tips for Underhand Serving

As a beginner, practicing underhand serving can be beneficial, but it is crucial to progress to more advanced serving techniques. Here are the steps to perform an effective underhand serve:

Stand 3 or 4 feet beyond the serve line. Keep the ball in your non-dominant hand and toss it up slightly higher. Aim for a comfortable height. During the toss, hit the ball with the palm of your dominant hand. Aim to hit it over the net and into the opponent's court.

Remember, while an underhand serve may serve as a stepping stone for beginners, players should aspire to develop their overhand serve skills as soon as they advance beyond the beginner stage. Mastery of additional serving techniques, such as the overhand serve, will significantly enhance a player's overall game and competitive edge.

Coaching Perspectives on Underhand Serving

Coaches in middle and high school volleyball often encourage players to develop their overhand serve as they progress. However, the choice to serve underhand is ultimately up to the player's comfort level. Coaches in recreational leagues might prioritize getting the ball over the net and inbounds, while in more competitive environments, they may push players to master the overhand serve.
For instance, a middle or high school volleyball coach often emphasizes the importance of:

Getting the ball over the net. Aiming for a specific spot in the opponent's court. Making the serve more difficult to hit.

While overhand serving looks more impressive, both underhand and overhand serves can fulfill these criteria effectively. Hence, a coach may allow players to use either serve as long as it meets these fundamental requirements. Overhand serves require additional skills such as a consistent toss and the ability to hit a moving target, which the coach may consider as a self-imposed goal for team members to achieve.

Conclusion: Progressing Beyond Underhand Serving

While underhand serving is a legal and acceptable option in middle and high school volleyball, it is essential to progress beyond it as players advance. As players move to competitive levels, the importance of mastering a variety of serve techniques increases. Developing additional serving skills will not only enhance players' overall game but also prepare them for the demands of higher-level play.