Volleyball Skills Checklist
1. Key teaching points of game play
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Students moving to ball and communication on court
Being aware of position on court
3 ‘pass play’ back over the net
2. Bumping
Key teaching points of Posture
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The feet should be shoulder width apart in a comfortable position.
Toes pointing slightly inwards, weight distribution mainly on the balls of the feet
Balance- low center of gravity.
Key teaching points of Platform
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Platform should be stationary (not swinging) and even. Ideally you want to make
contact 2-4 inches above your wrists. Stay Low.
Forearms as close together as possible. Players must elevate the shoulders and shrug
them forwards creating a hollow chest at the same time; arms rotated slightly.
Aim your shoulders at your target; your arms will follow.
3. Setting
Key teaching points of Setting
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Hands in the shape of the ball- soft open hands- imagine holding little dishes with
springs in your fingertips- follow through
Hands up early, fingers spread, elbows comfortably spread above and in front of the
shoulders
Attempt to get all the fingers on the ball
Hands about 6inches above head, slightly in front- slight backward flexion at the wrist
Take the ball above the forehead
Follow through with the hands in the direction of the set
Propulsive force behind the set begins in the back leg as both knees straighten
4. Serving
Key teaching points of Underhand Serve
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Feet facing forward, hips square at impact, swing arm through ‘pendulum’ motion.
Opposite hitting arm holds the ball diagonally across the body. As hitting arm swings
through drop ball onto hitting hand.
Arm straight and wrist stiff on impact with follow through.
Shift of body weight from the back foot to the front foot
Key teaching points of Overhand Serve for right handed servers (left hand do the
opposite)
Feet and Hips
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Stand behind the end line with your left foot and hip slightly ahead of your right.
Point your front foot forward.
Your back foot should be in a comfortable position pointing slightly to the right to
keep you balanced.
Arms
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Place the ball in the palm of your left hand. Your left palm should be facing up.
Hold your arms out towards the court with a slight bend in your elbows for comfort
and your left shoulder slightly in front of your right just like your feet and your hips.
Prepare to Strike
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Draw your right elbow straight back with your palm still facing down until your thumb
is in line with your ear. If you are in the correct position, your thumb should only be
a couple inches to the right of your ear and your forearm should be parallel to the
floor.
The Toss
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Lower your left hand slightly and push the ball up in the air. The ball should come
off your palm with no spin. Do not let it roll off of your fingers.
Toss the ball about two feet above your head directly in line with your right arm. If
you let your toss drop, it should land about a foot in front of you on your right side.
You will be taking a step forward with your left foot as you serve, so it is important
that your toss be just in front of you, not behind or too far in front so that you have to
chase it.
Serving Motion
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As you toss the ball with your left hand, bring your right hand up and back so that
your palm is now facing the net and your forearm is perpendicular to the floor.
Step straight forward with your left foot and as you swing your arm, bring your hips
around until they are square to the net to get a little more power.
Keep your eye on the ball and strike it just above and in front of your head with the
palm of your hand. When you contact the ball make sure to spread your fingers,
keep your hand and wrist stiff and strike the middle of the back of the ball solidly.
5. Setting
Key teaching points of Setting
The Approach
Run up steps can be done in a curve or a straight line- 2 run up steps plus a hop.
 1st step is a short step-shift.
 2nd step with the left foot is quicker and longer. Push off the balls of the feet
 Both arms come up sideways and extend backwards.
 Feet should be at an angle on take off
Arms in hitting
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As you go up, arch and slightly twist your upper body angles slightly away from the net.
Keep your non-hitting hand in front of your head and aimed at the ball as you twist.
Let your hitting arm continue upward.
Draw your hitting arm back, bend elbow and move it backwards whilst keeping it as
high as possible.
Hand open and palm up.
Forearm drops down towards upper back.
Hitting arm starts to sweep up, keeping it close to your head, elbow high.
Non-hitting arm drops naturally towards body.
Straighten hitting arm by extending the forearm, elbow high, whipping it forward,
snapping the wrist over the ball.
Contact Point
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About a foot in front of your body.