Page 59 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

Beginner Level 2 - Serve

For beginning players, I like to focus on the standing spin serve. As the players mature, the focus
will be on the standing float or the jump float serve. It is a mistake for a coach to rush players into
the float serve. A float serve, either standing or jumping, takes a significant amount of shoulder and
core strength. I prefer to start young players out with a standing spin serve to work on armswing
mechanics while they are building the strength needed to advance with both serve and attack.
I have a couple of preferences when working on the serve.

Keep the duration of consecutive serves brief (no more than five repetitions before switching with a
teammate). I would prefer the server serve five sets of five serves, as opposed to twenty-five
consecutive serves. The focus on technique is higher when working in a shorter duration.
Serve to a target. Ideally, the targets would be players on the other side working on reception skills.
However, cones on the floor can suffice. The ability to serve accurately is essential.

A float serve should have a flat trajectory over the net with no spin on the ball. Spin serves require
more net clearance.

Quality serving is essential at every level, but especially at the younger levels. Budget practice time
accordingly.
Emphasize a serve that goes over the net and in-bounds. There is a balance between successfully
serving the ball in-bounds and serving a ball that is difficult to pass. The coach must be aware of this
balance and focus on a challenging serve that goes in-bounds.