Knowing how to do a float serve in volleyball is best used to keep opponents on their toes. In most cases, the receiver does not keep an eye on the ball for its entire flight over the net. As a result, a float serve in volleyball, which changes direction as it is hit without spin, can be most effective when opponents seem to be getting lazy.

To execute a float serve in volleyball, the server stands with their upper body facing the direction which the ball will be served with the feet positioned to allow the upper body to rotate easily through a throwing motion. This motion of throwing is performed more easily if the feet are placed with the left foot forward and the body and feet pointing toward the right. The weight of the body is distributed and the ball is held in the non-hitting hand with that arm slightly extended. Please note that I wrote the above with a right handed player in mind. If you are a left handed player, you would have the right foot forward and the body and the feet pointing toward the left.

Draw the hitting arm back. Drawing the arm up and back takes longer than the toss, so begin to draw back before tossing the ball.

In a float serve in volleyball, the toss or lift is out in front of the body and only high enough so contact with the ball can occur without waiting for it to drop significantly. The small step is with the left foot; at the same time, some body weight transfers toward the left foot and in the direction of where ball is being served. Again, I wrote that assuming a right handed player. For a left handed player, the small step is with the right foot and some body weight transfers toward the right foot.

Hit the middle of the ball with the palm of your hand. When the server contacts the ball with the hand during a float serve, the ball should be hit very firmly with the palm of the hand, not with a clenched fist. There’s no need for excessive follow-through except to decelerate the arm and hand after hitting the ball. If the ball is hit in the center, it will not have spin as it travels over the net. This allows the ball to float. It’s this movement that can make a well-executed float serve in volleyball so difficult to pass.

Many new players make the mistake of taking a big step with the left foot then a big step with the right foot. When this occurs, the player usually ends up facing far to the left while trying to hit to the right (again, assuming a right handed player. The opposite would be true for a left handed player). This makes it difficult to step into the direction of the serve. It is helpful to drag the back foot as the ball is being hit.

Following is a recap of the basic tips to remember when learning how to do a float serve in volleyball:

* Footwork (left foot in front, feet turned to the right, upper body facing direction of the serve). If you are left handed player, do the opposite with the right foot in the front and feet turned to the left.
* Draw elbow up and back.
* Small step and toss.
* Hit the center of the ball with the palm of the hand.
* Drag the back foot.

I hope this helped you gain a better insight on learning how to do a float serve in volleyball.