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Volleyball training for kids: Teaching the fundamentals of serving
By Ruth Nelson
Serving sets the stage for volleyball success. It’s the first fundamental skill that can quickly score points.
Serving is not just about getting the ball over the net; it’s about serving with intent to score. This holds especially true in youth volleyball (ages 4-11), where serving and passing dominate gameplay.
I introduce young players to five different serving techniques, including static and linear approaches. Within these categories, players learn the static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater, each requiring different levels of strength and coordination.
Static floater
This serve emphasizes a controlled lift and precise contact point. It is an accessible starting point for young athletes.
Topspin serve
The topspin serve offers an opportunity to reinforce the hitting motion because the arm swing is similar to attacking.
Japanese floater
This serve presents a unique challenge with its focus on wrist control and contact placement, which allow younger players who may not be as strong to succeed immediately by getting the ball over the net.
For linear serving, players get into the dynamic realm of jump serves, floaters without the attacking arm swing, and topspin, which demand an approach with the arm swing as if attacking the ball. Here, players develop an understanding of toss coordination. While the topspin needs a quick-wrist extension, crucial for powerful serves, the floater maintains a firm wrist with the follow-through forward.
To reinforce these techniques, drills are tailored to emphasize wrist firmness for floaters and wrist extension for topspin serves. Players also learn to leverage lower body power through quarter-turns and serve modifications at varying distances, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress.
By emphasizing serving fundamentals and encouraging a sense of fun and excitement, young players refine their serving skills and elevate their overall game, supporting team confidence and skill. Through dedication and consistent practice, these servers lay the foundation for success on the volleyball court, ensuring that tough and consistent serves translate into improved passing and immediate results. This sets the stage for continued success!
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to serve, watch the video below.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
Volleyball training for kids: Teaching the fundamentals of serving
By Ruth Nelson
Serving sets the stage for volleyball success. It’s the first fundamental skill that can quickly score points.
Serving is not just about getting the ball over the net; it’s about serving with intent to score. This holds especially true in youth volleyball (ages 4-11), where serving and passing dominate gameplay.
I introduce young players to five different serving techniques, including static and linear approaches. Within these categories, players learn the static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater, each requiring different levels of strength and coordination.
Static floater
This serve emphasizes a controlled lift and precise contact point. It is an accessible starting point for young athletes.
Topspin serve
The topspin serve offers an opportunity to reinforce the hitting motion because the arm swing is similar to attacking.
Japanese floater
This serve presents a unique challenge with its focus on wrist control and contact placement, which allow younger players who may not be as strong to succeed immediately by getting the ball over the net.
For linear serving, players get into the dynamic realm of jump serves, floaters without the attacking arm swing, and topspin, which demand an approach with the arm swing as if attacking the ball. Here, players develop an understanding of toss coordination. While the topspin needs a quick-wrist extension, crucial for powerful serves, the floater maintains a firm wrist with the follow-through forward.
To reinforce these techniques, drills are tailored to emphasize wrist firmness for floaters and wrist extension for topspin serves. Players also learn to leverage lower body power through quarter-turns and serve modifications at varying distances, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress.
By emphasizing serving fundamentals and encouraging a sense of fun and excitement, young players refine their serving skills and elevate their overall game, supporting team confidence and skill. Through dedication and consistent practice, these servers lay the foundation for success on the volleyball court, ensuring that tough and consistent serves translate into improved passing and immediate results. This sets the stage for continued success!
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to serve, watch the video below.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
Volleyball training for kids: Teaching the fundamentals of serving
By Ruth N. Nelson
Serving sets the stage for volleyball success. It’s the first fundamental skill that can quickly score points. It's not just about getting the ball over the net; it's about serving with intent to score. This holds especially true in youth volleyball competitions tailored for ages 4-11, where serving and passing dominate gameplay.
We introduce young players to five different serving techniques, including static and linear approaches. Within these categories, players learn the static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater, each requiring different levels of strength and coordination.
The static floater, emphasizing a controlled lift and precise contact point, is an accessible starting point for young athletes. Meanwhile, the topspin serve offers an opportunity to reinforce the hitting motion by utilizing the arm swing similar to attacking. The Japanese floater presents a unique challenge with its focus on wrist control and contact placement, which will allow younger players who may not be as strong to succeed immediately by getting the ball over the net.
For linear serving, players get into the dynamic realm of jump serves, floaters without the attacking arm swing, and topspin, which demand an approach with the arm swing as if attacking the ball. Here, players develop an understanding of toss coordination. While the topspin needs a quick wrist extension, crucial for powerful serves, the floater maintains a firm wrist with the follow-through forward.
To reinforce these techniques, drills are tailored to emphasize wrist firmness for floaters and wrist extension for topspin serves. Players also learn to leverage lower body power through quarter-turns and serve modifications at varying distances, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress.
By emphasizing serving fundamentals and encouraging a sense of fun and excitement, young players refine their serving skills and elevate their overall game, supporting team confidence and skill. Through dedication and consistent practice, these servers lay the foundation for success on the volleyball court, ensuring that tough and consistent serves translate into improved passing and immediate results, setting the stage for continued success!
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to serve, watch the video below.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth N. Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
By Ruth N. Nelson
Serving sets the stage for volleyball success. It’s the first fundamental skill that can quickly score points. It's not just about getting the ball over the net; it's about serving with intent to score. This holds especially true in youth volleyball competitions tailored for ages 4-11, where serving and passing dominate gameplay.
We introduce young players to five different serving techniques, including static and linear approaches. Within these categories, players learn the static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater, each requiring different levels of strength and coordination.
The static floater, emphasizing a controlled lift and precise contact point, is an accessible starting point for young athletes. Meanwhile, the topspin serve offers an opportunity to reinforce the hitting motion by utilizing the arm swing similar to attacking. The Japanese floater presents a unique challenge with its focus on wrist control and contact placement, which will allow younger players who may not be as strong to succeed immediately by getting the ball over the net.
For linear serving, players get into the dynamic realm of jump serves, floaters without the attacking arm swing, and topspin, which demand an approach with the arm swing as if attacking the ball. Here, players develop an understanding of toss coordination. While the topspin needs a quick wrist extension, crucial for powerful serves, the floater maintains a firm wrist with the follow-through forward.
To reinforce these techniques, drills are tailored to emphasize wrist firmness for floaters and wrist extension for topspin serves. Players also learn to leverage lower body power through quarter-turns and serve modifications at varying distances, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress.
By emphasizing serving fundamentals and encouraging a sense of fun and excitement, young players refine their serving skills and elevate their overall game, supporting team confidence and skill. Through dedication and consistent practice, these servers lay the foundation for success on the volleyball court, ensuring that tough and consistent serves translate into improved passing and immediate results, setting the stage for continued success!
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to serve, watch the video below.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth N. Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
For an entire program, parents, teachers, coaches, and directors can enlist the help of Ruth N. Nelson, Founder of BYOP® and GoKids Youth Sports, who has amassed over 50 years of volleyball experience and expertise at all levels.
Youth Program Directors, Coaches, and Parents are encouraged to take Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website. Click this LINK BYOP® 101 for the four fundamental skills. And click this LINK for the Home Training Program Series™.
Also, Register to Become a GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer online or in person. Click HERE for more information and to register.
About the Author
Ruth is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, Ruth has focused on and created the most innovative program for ages 10 and under that engages parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
Youth Program Directors, Coaches, and Parents are encouraged to take Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website. Click this LINK BYOP® 101 for the four fundamental skills. And click this LINK for the Home Training Program Series™.
Also, Register to Become a GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer online or in person. Click HERE for more information and to register.
About the Author
Ruth is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 23 years, Ruth has focused on and created the most innovative program for ages 10 and under that engages parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
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Summary of Key Points
1. Importance of Serving
- Serving is emphasized as the primary skill in volleyball that can quickly score points.
- Stress on serving with intent to score rather than merely getting the ball over the net.
2. Introduction of Techniques
- Five serving techniques introduced, covering static and linear approaches.
- Focus on static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater for players aged 4-11.
- Each technique described with specific demands and benefits.
3. Drills and Reinforcement
- Various drills mentioned to reinforce serving techniques.
- Emphasis on wrist firmness, extension, and lower body power.
- Serve modifications at different distances to challenge players gradually.
4. Emphasis on Fundamentals and Fun
- Strong emphasis on teaching serving fundamentals.
- Importance of maintaining a sense of fun and excitement for young players.
5. Overall Impact
- Mastering serving skills improves individual performance and team confidence.
- Serving contributes to success on the volleyball court.
6. Additional Resources
- Links provided to online courses by Ruth Nelson for teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11.
Summary of Key Points
1. Importance of Serving
- Serving is emphasized as the primary skill in volleyball that can quickly score points.
- Stress on serving with intent to score rather than merely getting the ball over the net.
2. Introduction of Techniques
- Five serving techniques introduced, covering static and linear approaches.
- Focus on static floater, topspin, and Japanese floater for players aged 4-11.
- Each technique described with specific demands and benefits.
3. Drills and Reinforcement
- Various drills mentioned to reinforce serving techniques.
- Emphasis on wrist firmness, extension, and lower body power.
- Serve modifications at different distances to challenge players gradually.
4. Emphasis on Fundamentals and Fun
- Strong emphasis on teaching serving fundamentals.
- Importance of maintaining a sense of fun and excitement for young players.
5. Overall Impact
- Mastering serving skills improves individual performance and team confidence.
- Serving contributes to success on the volleyball court.
6. Additional Resources
- Links provided to online courses by Ruth Nelson for teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11.