How to Serve in Beach Volleyball

Mastering the serve in beach volleyball will make your game more competitive. Since you can only score when you're serving, it's critical to developing a good offensive game. When serving, you have your choice of the underhand or overhand technique.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Overhand Serve

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward and knees bent. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet.

2. Place the ball in the palm of your non-serving hand. Stretch out your arm and hold it about as high as your chest, but keep your elbow bent and loose.

3. Cock your serving arm back so your elbow and the palm of your hand are about level with your ear. Your fingers should be loose but the wrist should be locked to avoid injury and insure accuracy.

4. Throw the ball in the air about 2 feet above your head, just in front of the shoulder of your serving arm. This positions the ball for the best strike.

5. Use the heel of your serving hand to send the ball forward. Keep your wrist locked and step forward at the same time you're swinging.

6. Strike the ball and return to a defensive position.

Underhand Serve

1. Position yourself with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered. Face the direction you want the ball to go, with your shoulders, hips and knees all pointing in the same direction.

2. Place the ball in the palm of your non-serving hand so that it is approximately waist high. Keep the elbow of your serving arm slightly bend and the hand open.

3. Put your serving arm behind your body and hold your hand in a fist.

4. Step forward as you bring your serving arm forward in a smooth motion. As your fist makes contact with the ball, keep your serving arm straight.

5. Strike the ball and return to a defensive position.