Volleyball Serving Drills

Good serving practice has two steps: first get the ball in the court consistently, then aim it. Use short-distance serving to build a repeatable toss and arm swing, move back to the end line, and then serve at marked zones for points. Once players can hit their zones, add pressure with games where a missed serve costs the team.

Units
Service zone width
9 m
Time to serve after whistle
8 seconds (FIVB)
Drills here
2 core
Common target zones
1, 5 and 6

What good serving practice looks like

  • Same routine every serve. A short routine (bounce, breath, toss) makes the serve repeatable in matches.
  • Toss first. Most missed serves start with a toss that drifts. Players can practice the toss alone, letting the ball drop and checking where it lands.
  • Move back step by step. Beginners can serve from the attack line or mid-court, then move back once most serves go over.
  • Aim at zones. Use cones, towels or hoops in zones 1, 5 and 6 so every serve has a purpose. See Court Zones.

Serve technique and serve types: Serving and Types of Serves. The serve must be made from the service zone behind the end line; see Rules for Beginners.

Core serving drills

Target serving

Servers aim at marked zones and score points for accuracy.

  • Serving
  • Beginner–Intermediate
  • Small group / Team
  • 10–15 min

Serving under pressure

Serving games with consequences to make practice feel like a match.

  • Serving
  • Beginner–Intermediate
  • Team
  • 10–15 min

Watch it

Video: The Art of Coaching Volleyball on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Related drills

Serve-receive triangle

Servers practice live serving against three passers.

  • Passing, Team
  • Intermediate
  • Small group
  • 12–15 min

Butterfly passing

Use easy serves instead of tosses to give servers many reps.

  • Passing, Warm-up
  • Beginner
  • Small group
  • 8–12 min

Frequently asked questions

How can beginners get their serve over the net?

Move closer. Serve from mid-court until most serves go over, then take one step back at a time.

How many serves should a player practice?

Focused serves count more than the total. Serving at a target with a goal, such as 7 of 10 in zone 5, is more useful than serving a full cart without aiming.

What is the best target for serving practice?

Zones 1, 5 and 6 are common starting targets. Deep serves give passers less time to react.

Should I practice serving when tired?

Yes, some of the time. Serving after a hard drill is closer to serving late in a match.