If you have long legs or take bigger steps, and stand further back. If you are right handed, you may have a more powerful spike when you approach from the left side of the court, and vice versa if you are left handed. If you are tall or can jump higher, try starting near the middle.
As you practice spiking, make sure you’re working with a skilled setter. It should rise and fall in a gentle arc close to the net, putting it in the perfect position for you to go in for the kill. As you practice with your team, you’ll want to call to your teammates to let them know you’re striking. Many teams come up with codes for each side, so use them if yours does.
Your arm swing is essential when it comes to the height of your jump. A well-timed swing will help your upward momentum. Practice getting the timing down perfectly. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart so you don’t end up off balance. Keep your head up to watch the ball as it falls toward you.
Try to hit the ball at the height of your jump to maximize the power of your strike. Bring your arm down “through” the ball and next to your body. This ensures that you don’t lose momentum throughout your hit. It’s against the rules to touch the net. Bring your arm back toward your body after the strike to avoid a penalty. Be careful not to “carry” or “hold” the ball for even a second, as this is against the rules.
Practicing on your own is good, but it also helps to work with a partner who can set the ball for you so you can work on your entire approach, jump and swing. Focus on making solid contact with the ball, snapping your wrist and following through.
Practice jumping as high as you can and spiking the ball at the height of your jump every time. Try working with a spike trainer. This is a device that holds the ball in a high position, forcing you to jump high enough to hit it at the height of your jump and spike it out of the device.
To work on your timing, it helps to practice with a good setter. Work with someone who is capable of setting the ball high and in the correct position for you to strike it at the top of your jump. Keep your eye on the ball as you approach for the strike. If you hit it with the tips of your fingers or too low on your hand, you know your timing was off.
Do push ups. You can either start with your hands placed on the ground or on an exercise ball, which also helps your shoulder stability. Do three sets of fifteen pushups each, increasing reps as you gain strength over time. [2] X Research source Do a two-hand overhead ball slam. Use a medicine ball (a heavy volleyball-sized ball). Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, use both hands to swing it up over your head, then slam it down on the ground. This works out your shoulders and arm muscles. [3] X Research source
Look for the holes in the court that your opponents will have trouble reaching. Aim for the holes instead of striking the ball directly to the opponents. By striking from different places along the net, you can take advantage of your opponents’ weak spots. Practice your aim by hitting on a box. Stand on a tall, sturdy box in the position you would be in at the height of your jump during a spike. Have someone set the ball to you and practice spiking it from the box to hit targets on the other side of the net. [4] X Research source
The best way to practice seeing blockers is to practice with opposing players. During your spiking practice, have teammates try to block your spikes. You can avoid blockers by correctly aiming your strikes out of their reach. Remember to snap your wrist during your follow through so that the ball has topspin; this will make it harder for blockers to successfully block the ball.
If you’re not very quick on your feet, sprinting practice can increase your speed. It’s important not to start your approach until the ball has been set; otherwise, you’ll give yourself away before you get the chance to strike.
