Float serves are a common technique used by volleyball players to gain an advantage over their opponents. This serve is unique in its lack of spin and its unpredictable movement due to air currents.
This article will discuss the characteristics, advantages, and technique of float serves in volleyball.
It will explain the flat trajectory and lack of spin that makes this serve difficult to predict, and it will discuss the advantages of using this serve in a match.
Additionally, it will provide guidance on how to properly execute a float serve, as well as a jump float serve, in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Characteristics
Float serves are characterized by their unpredictable movement, which is significantly different from topspin serves and can throw off the receiver. Float serves can dance, shimmy, drop unexpectedly, sail further than expected, or die and drop right after crossing the net. This unpredictability is mainly due to the air currents in the gym and the lack of spin on the ball.
A well-timed float serve can score aces and is similar to a changeup pitch in baseball. The flat trajectory of the ball also contributes to its unpredictability. Soft float serves have more movement and unpredictability than hard float serves.
Jump float serves combine the description of a regular float serve with a short jumping approach, but care should be taken to limit the height of the toss and the power of the swing.
Overall, float serves form an important part of a volleyball player’s arsenal.
Advantages
The unpredictable nature of a float serve makes it an advantageous technique to throw off the opponent. Float serves are significantly different from topspin serves, making it difficult for the receiver to anticipate the ball’s movement. The ball may dance, shimmy, drop unexpectedly, sail further than expected, or die and drop right after crossing the net. Such unpredictability can score aces when well-timed and is affected by air currents in the gym, making it difficult for the receiver to adjust.
Float servers also have the advantage of using a jump float serve, which combines the description of a regular float serve with a short jumping approach. This further increases the difficulty of the game for the receiver.
In conclusion, float serves present many advantages to the server and can be used to gain a competitive edge.
Technique
Executing a float serve requires specific technique to ensure the ball travels with the desired unpredictability.
The player should stand facing the net with feet slightly apart and the non-dominant foot forward.
The ball should be held with the air hole pointing in the palm of the hand.
The toss should be straight up to a height the arm can extend for the overhand swing.
The ball should be released at the same level as the player’s head and placed in front of the hitting shoulder.
The swing should be open palm, slapping the ball firmly in the center of the back. The wrist should not be snapped.
A successful float serve will appear to dance, shimmy, or drop suddenly due to air currents.
The trajectory should be flat, not a rainbow shape, and the serve should be softer to have more movement and unpredictability.
