Game version
Target-zone serving: two teams of two take turns serving into zones. Each team counts only its own zones hit.
Topspin Serve Basics
Add forward spin so the ball dips into the court.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Toss a little higher and slightly in front of your hitting shoulder.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Volleyball, net
- Level · skill
- Developing · Serving
The steps
How it works
- Toss a little higher and slightly in front of your hitting shoulder.
- Contact the bottom back of the ball and snap your wrist over the top.
- Follow through toward the target.
- Serve 20 and check for forward spin.
Coaching point
Under, then over the top.
Safety: Warm up your shoulder first, keep serve and hitting sets short, and stop if your shoulder hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a zone: Less (big), Core (medium), More (small). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are opening the match with a serve that lands exactly where you aim.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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