Target Serving
Servers aim at marked zones and score points for accuracy.
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.
- Players
- 1 to 14
- Equipment
- Balls, net, 3–6 targets
- Start distance
- Mid-court for beginners
- Common target zones
- 1, 5 and 6
Pick a drill
| Goal | Drill | Players | Level | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get more serves in, then aim | Target Serving, starting from mid-court | 1–12+ | Beginner–intermediate | 10–15 min |
| Hit targets in matches, not only in practice | Serving Under Pressure | 4–14 | Beginner–intermediate | 10–15 min |
| Serve against live passers | Serve-Receive Triangle | 5–12 | Intermediate | 12–15 min |
| Lots of easy serves inside a passing drill | Butterfly Passing, serving instead of tossing | 6–12 | Beginner | 8–12 min |
Core serving drills
Serving Under Pressure
Serving games with consequences to make practice feel like a match.
How to choose and progress drills in this group
- Choose by what breaks down. If serves don't clear the net or land in, shorten the distance: the Underhand Serving progression for new servers, or Target Serving from mid-court. If serves land in but anywhere, add targets. If they hit targets in practice but not when it counts, add a stake with Serving Under Pressure, or serve at live passers.
- Change one thing at a time. Move back a step, shrink the target, or add pressure, but not all three at once.
- Judge the serve by the target and the routine. A serve counts when it lands in the chosen area and comes from the same routine and toss as the one before.
- Progress when it holds up; step back when it doesn't. Each drill page has a “When to progress” check. Its numbers are practice suggestions, so adjust them to the server.
What good serving practice looks like
- Same routine every serve. A short routine (bounce, breath, toss) makes the serve repeatable in matches.
- Toss first. A toss that drifts is a common cause of missed serves. 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 one step at a time 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.
Watch: serving drills for beginners at home
Video: The Art of Coaching Volleyball on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.
Frequently asked questions
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 (the back third of the court) are common starting targets. Deep serves push passers back toward the end line, which makes their pass to the setter longer and harder to control.
Should I practice serving when tired?
Yes, some of the time. Serving after a hard drill is closer to serving late in a match.