It’s a common challenge for young volleyball players to consistently get their serves over the net, but what if you have a player with the opposite problem? A reader recently reached out with a question about their U14 volleyball player who repeatedly serves the ball beyond the backline of the opponent’s court during games. Despite trying various adjustments like standing further back, slowing down their swing, and even attempting topspin serves, the issue persists. Interestingly, this player can serve accurately into the court during practice and typically uses a float serve. This scenario presents a unique coaching opportunity to refine serving technique and address potential match-day pressures.
Identifying the Root Cause: Mental Game or Mechanics?
The discrepancy between practice and game serves suggests that the issue might stem from the mental aspects of competition. If the player demonstrates serving accuracy in a relaxed practice environment, but struggles during the higher stakes of a game, performance anxiety or a shift in focus could be at play. However, before solely attributing it to mental factors, it’s crucial to revisit the mechanics of their serve and identify any subtle changes that might occur under pressure.
Refining Serve Mechanics for Distance Control
One potential mechanical adjustment is focusing on achieving a flatter serve trajectory. Serves that go long often result from an excessively upward swing, creating a high arc that sends the ball sailing out of bounds. This can sometimes be a subconscious reaction to a fear of hitting the serve into the net. To counter this, encourage the player to concentrate on the height of their serve. A helpful drill is to have them aim to keep their serves at or below the height of the net antennae. This visual cue can help them control the vertical trajectory and reduce the likelihood of serving long.
Shifting Focus to Target Accuracy
Instead of solely focusing on keeping the serve “in” or “out,” redirect the player’s attention to target accuracy. If they possess the power to serve long at this age, harnessing that power for precise placement becomes the next step in their development. Introduce target-based serving drills where the player aims for specific zones on the court. Even starting with broad targets like the left or right half of the court can significantly improve their control and strategic serving. This approach transforms the serve from simply getting the ball over the net to a deliberate offensive tool.
Simulating Game Pressure in Practice Drills
To bridge the gap between practice and game performance, it’s essential to replicate game-like pressure during training. Incorporate drills that simulate the physical and mental demands of a match. For instance, have players perform a physical activity, such as short sprints or jumping jacks, before serving to mimic serving after a rally. Furthermore, introduce consequences for serve performance, both positive and negative. This could involve rewards for successful serves into targeted zones or drills that require players to repeat serves if they miss the target. By creating a more pressurized practice environment, players can learn to maintain their serving accuracy under stress, translating to better performance in games.
Coaching a player who serves too long presents a unique and positive challenge. By addressing potential mental blocks, refining serve mechanics for flatter trajectories, implementing target-oriented practice, and simulating game pressure in training, coaches can help young volleyball players develop more controlled and strategically effective serves.
