How to Spike a Volleyball: 6 Attack Types & Complete Technique Guide

The first time I successfully tooled the block during the Great Lakes Regional Championship, everything clicked. I was facing a two-person block that had shut me down twice already, but instead of trying to hit through them, I aimed for the outside hand of the blocker on my left—and watched the ball deflect out of bounds on their side. The rush of adrenaline was unforgettable. 

As a college outside hitter, I spent years learning that the best attackers aren’t always the strongest—they’re the smartest. From those early high school games where I muscled every ball straight into blocks, to understanding how wrist snap creates topspin, and mastering the approach footwork that separates average hitters from dominant ones, I’ve learned that great spiking comes down to mechanics most players never properly learn.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from the 4-step approach that generates maximum power to the six essential attack shots every serious player needs. Whether you’re just learning or looking to fix bad habits that have crept into your game, these are the techniques that actually work at high levels.

What is a Spike? 

A spike is volleyball’s primary offensive weapon—a powerful attack where a player jumps and strikes the ball downward into the opponent’s court with force and topspin. The goal is to hit the ball so hard or so smartly that defenders cannot return it, resulting in a “kill” (an unreturnable attack that scores a point).

Here’s what separates spiking from other attacks: the combination of vertical move, arm, and wrist snap that creates both power and the topspin needed to keep high-velocity hits and still landing within the bounds. Without proper technique, even the hardest-hit ball will sail out the back line.

Who Can Spike? (The Back-Row Attack Rule)

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that only front-row players can spike. That’s not accurate.

The rule is this: Any player can spike, but back-row players must jump from behind the 3-meter (10-foot) attack line if they’re attacking a ball that’s entirely above the net height. This is called a back-row attack.

Back-row attacks are a crucial part of modern volleyball offense:

• The “Pipe” is a back-row attack from zone 6 (center-back), directly behind the setter
• The “D-Ball” is a back-row attack from zone 1 (right-back)
• The “A-Ball” is a back-row attack from zone 5 (left-back)

These attacks create a second wave of offense that often catches blockers out of position because they’re focused on front-row threats.

The only player who cannot spike is the libero, who is prohibited from attacking any ball that is entirely above net height, regardless of where they jump from.

How Does a Spike Help Your Game? 

I see spikes as strategic moves. Not just a way to score, but a way to control the entire match.

Here’s why mastering this skill transforms your game:

Immediate Point Scoring

A well-executed spike ends rallies decisively. When you combine proper technique with smart shot selection, defenders have fractions of a second to react. During my college career, our most efficient offensive possessions came from plays where the hitter had multiple options and defenders couldn’t anticipate the attack.

Psychological Momentum

This is the part coaches don’t talk about enough. A powerful spike doesn’t just score one point—it shifts the emotional energy of the match. I’ve watched opposing teams fall apart after a few consecutive kills because the anxiety of “here comes another one” affects their passing, their positioning, and their confidence.

When you’re spiking effectively, your own team feeds off that energy. Passers become sharper because they know a good pass leads to points. Setters take more risks because they trust you’ll convert. The entire offensive system elevates.

Offensive System Foundation

Effective spiking is the engine that makes everything else work. The setter’s job becomes easier when hitters can score from multiple positions with varied shots. The setter can run faster tempos, use deception, and keep opposing blockers guessing—but only if the hitters can actually finish plays.

Back-to-back kills also prevent the opposing team from establishing rhythm. Instead of running their offense, they’re constantly reacting to yours. That’s how matches are controlled.

The 6 Essential Spikes to know

While beginners often focus on hitting “straight down,” advanced hitters use different shots to navigate around, over, and through the block. The ones you need to know:

The Angle (Cross-Court) Shot

This is one of the best spikes to score the point. Here, the hitter forces the ball to the other extreme corner of the court. For example, from zone 4 to zone 1, of the opponent side.  

This is also the ones opposite team most likely to miss – the ball looks like as if will go out of the bounds. Players don’t usually expect a hit reaching this position; therefore, they get surprised and miss the spike.

This is your primary attack. It’s the longest diagonal across the court, giving you the most margin for error. It will help you a lot, if you keep your core and shoulders aligned to the direction you plan to plant your spike. And lot’s of practice in your free time.  

The Line Shot

This is one of the most used spikes in volleyball matches. A higher-difficulty attack where you hit the ball parallel to the sideline, down “the line.” Hitters use this when the opposing blocker leaves the line open or drifts toward the middle.

Player positions themselves straight towards a gap in the opponent’s court. They use their arm swing to directly place the ball on the sidelines or in weaker positions on the court. The ball in a straight downward line is difficult to block.  

In a line spike, the player needs to adjust and orient positions quickly. You must also have a clear partnership with the setter to have the ball in the right position. 

Tooling the Block (The “Wipe”)

This one is different – due to the intent itself. Instead of hitting around the block, you intentionally hit into the blocker’s hands—specifically the outside hand—so the ball deflects out of bounds on their side.

This is a “forced” error for the defense. If the ball touches the block and then lands outside the court on their side, your team gets the point. Shorter hitters thrive by tooling taller blockers they can’t hit over.

The Cut Shot

A sharp, extreme-angle shot that lands near the 3-meter line on the opponent’s sideline. This is different from a standard cross-court because of how sharp the angle is. It’s mostly used against blockers who are set up deep or expecting power. The cut shot lands in front of their defensive positioning.

Instead of hitting through the center of the ball, you’re hitting the side of it with a slicing motion. This creates a sharp lateral trajectory that dives toward the sideline.

The Tip (or Dink)

A finesse play where you decelerate your arm swing at the last second and use your fingertips to push the ball softly over or around the block into an open space.

Mostly, this is last moment decision when blockers moves little ahead of your move, expecting you to move in the flow, they create the “donut” (the open space between or behind blockers), or when defenders have pulled back expecting a hard swing.

Rule check: The contact must be clean and momentary. You cannot “catch” or “carry” the ball—it must be a single, quick contact.

The Back-Row Attack (Pipe or D-Ball)

As discussed earlier, back-row players can and do spike regularly—as long as they jump from behind the 3-meter line.

The Pipe: Attack from zone 6, directly behind the setter The D-Ball: Attack from zone 1, on the right side The A-Ball: Attack from zone 5, on the left side

Tactical value: This creates a second wave of offense. While blockers focus on front-row threats, a well-timed back-row attack often catches them out of position.

Complete Spiking Technique: From Approach to Contact

Now that you know what shots exist, here’s the mechanical foundation that makes all of them possible. Master these fundamentals and every attack type becomes available to you.

The 4-Step Approach: Building Power from the Ground Up

Your approach footwork is the foundation of every effective spike. This is where beginners make their biggest mistakes—and where you can gain the most improvement quickly.

Why four steps? The 4-step approach is the gold standard for modern volleyball because it generates maximum horizontal momentum that converts into vertical height. Three-step and two-step approaches exist, but they sacrifice power and timing adjustment ability.

For right-handed hitters: Right → Left → Right-Left (the last two steps happen almost simultaneously)

For left-handed hitters: Left → Right → Left-Right

The rhythm: Slow, then fast-fast

Here’s the key that most coaches don’t explain well enough: the approach has a rhythm, and it’s not four equal steps.

Step 1 (Right foot for righties): This is your timing step. It’s deliberate and measured—you take this step as the setter touches the ball. This step lets you read the set and adjust your path.

Step 2 (Left foot): Slightly faster than step one. You’re building momentum now, closing the distance to your attack point.

Steps 3-4 (Right-Left “step-close”): These happen almost simultaneously and explosively. Your right foot plants first, followed immediately by your left. This is your brake-and-launch point.

The plant: Your last two steps should plant your heels to convert forward momentum into upward lift. Your feet should be slightly staggered with your hitting shoulder turned away from the net—this creates the rotation you’ll use for power.

The Bow-and-Arrow Position: Where Power Comes From

USA Volleyball describes this as “opening up”—and it’s where your swing power originates.

The arm swing during approach: As you approach, your arms aren’t just passengers—they’re power generators. During steps 1-2, arms swing naturally. During the step-close (steps 3-4), both arms swing backward together, at least to waist height. As you plant and jump, both arms explode upward together. This double-arm backswing adds significant height to your jump.

What bow-and-arrow looks like:

• Guide arm: Extended toward the ball, helping you track it and maintain balance
• Hitting arm: Elbow drawn back and bent approximately 90 degrees, like you’re drawing a bow
• Torso: Rotated so your hitting shoulder is turned away from the net
• Core: Loaded and ready to snap forward

This position creates torque—the same rotational power baseball pitchers use. Your body is like a coiled spring ready to release.

The “slam the door” swing:

As you swing:

1. Your hitting elbow drives forward first (lead with the elbow)
2. Your forearm whips through, extending fully
3. Your guide arm pulls down toward your hip, accelerating your rotation
4. Contact happens at your highest reach point
5. Your wrist snaps over the top of the ball

My coach used to say: “Open the door, then slam it shut with everything you’ve got.” You open up into bow-and-arrow, then close your body as you swing—shoulder, elbow, wrist all firing in sequence.

Hand Contact: Why “Heel of Hand” Is Wrong

This is one of the most common technical errors taught to beginners, and it actively sabotages your hitting.

The problem with heel contact: If you hit with the heel of your hand, you get a “flat” ball with no topspin. The ball will sail long, flying out the back of the opponent’s court. I made this mistake throughout my freshman year of high school until my coach finally corrected me.

The correct contact: Contact the ball with a strong, open palm and loose wrist. Your fingers should be spread and firm but not rigid—think “high-five” hand shape.

The magic happens in the wrist snap. As your palm contacts the ball, you snap your wrist forward, rolling your fingers over the top hemisphere of the ball. This creates topspin, which is what causes the ball to dive downward into the court.

Without topspin, a hard-hit ball simply travels in a straight line—usually right out of bounds. With topspin, you can swing as hard as you want and the ball will drop into the court.

Contact point: Highest reach, in front of your shoulder

You should contact the ball:

• At the absolute highest point of your reach (full arm extension)
• Slightly in front of your hitting shoulder
• While looking up at the ball (not at the court)

Hitting the ball behind your shoulder is one of the most common timing errors. It reduces power and makes it nearly impossible to hit down into the court. If you find yourself hitting into the net frequently, you’re probably contacting too late—swing sooner or swing faster.

Training Drills for Better Spiking

Improvement comes from repetition, but only if you’re practicing correctly. Here are the drills that actually build game-ready skills.

Footwork Fundamentals

The Flamingo Drill: Start in a “flamingo” stance—weight on your left foot (for righties), right foot lifted behind you. Execute a step-close (right-left) in slow motion, then jump and swing at an imaginary ball. This isolates your last two steps, which are the most critical.

4-Step Rhythm Drill: Practice your full approach without a ball, saying the rhythm out loud: “Slow… slow… FAST-FAST!” The verbal cue helps program the correct timing.

Mat Jump Drill: Place a mat or have a partner lie down a few feet in front of you. Practice your approach, hopping over the obstacle with your step-close. This trains explosive final steps.

Arm Swing Development

Wall Hitting: Stand facing a wall and practice your arm swing, snapping your wrist at contact. Focus on the sensation of your wrist rolling over the ball. This builds arm swing strength without requiring a net.

Tennis Ball Throws: Hold a tennis ball in your hitting hand. Take your approach, then throw the ball over a net (or imaginary line) using your hitting motion. This teaches arm swing mechanics in a simplified way.

Sight 90 Drill: Practice getting to “Sight 90” position—your guide arm pointing at the ball while your hitting arm creates a 90-degree angle at the elbow. Hold this position at the top of your jump before swinging.

Contact and Timing

Forehead Contact Drill: Have a partner toss balls that you “hit” with your forehead instead of your hand. This teaches proper positioning—if you can contact the ball on your forehead, your hand position will be correct.

Catch Game: Set up attackers against defenders. Attackers try to hit past defenders who attempt to catch the ball. Defenders score for catches or hitting errors; attackers try to keep the game going as long as possible.

Game Simulation

Target Practice: Set up targets (cones, chairs, or partners) in different areas of the opposing court. Practice attacking to specific zones, varying between cross-court, line, and cut shots.

Live Blocking: Practice against actual blockers who react to your approach. This teaches you to read blocks and make shot decisions in real-time—exactly like match situations.

Common Spiking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Hitting Into the Net

Cause: Usually means you’re contacting the ball too late (behind your shoulder) or too low (elbow dropping).

Fix: Swing sooner, not later. Focus on contacting at your highest reach point, slightly in front of your hitting shoulder.

Mistake 2: Balls Flying Long (Out the Back Line)

Cause: No topspin. You’re hitting with a flat hand or not snapping your wrist.

Fix: Focus on the wrist snap. Practice rolling your fingers over the top of the ball at contact.

Mistake 3: Getting Blocked Consistently

Cause: Predictable shot selection, or approaching with your shoulders square to the net (blockers can read where you’re hitting).

Fix: Vary your shots. Approach with your hitting shoulder turned away so blockers can’t read your attack angle.

Mistake 4: Weak Swings with No Power

Cause: Arm tightening up, or skipping the bow-and-arrow position.

Fix: Focus on swinging fast, not hard. When you try to hit “harder,” muscles tighten and actually slow your swing. Think “fast and loose” instead.

Mistake 5: Poor Timing (Arriving Too Early or Late)

Cause: Starting your approach at the wrong moment.

Fix: Use the 4-step approach timing. Take your first step as the setter contacts the ball. Watch the ball’s trajectory and adjust your speed on steps 2-3.

Quick note – Protecting Your Shoulder

Spiking is the only action in sport where maximum effort happens unsupported (in the air) every single time. This puts significant stress on your shoulder joint. Here’s how to stay healthy:

Warm up thoroughly. Never spike cold. Do arm circles, band exercises, and light swings before any hitting.

Strengthen your rotator cuff. Band exercises targeting the small stabilizer muscles prevent the overuse injuries that sideline hitters.

Don’t over-practice. More reps isn’t always better. Quality over quantity—especially for high-impact movements like spiking.

Watch for warning signs. Persistent shoulder pain, especially during the cocking phase of your swing, means you need rest. Don’t push through it.

Wrapping Up 

Spikes are difficult but completely achievable if you have the willpower and practice them often. These drills are no shortcuts so you can’t crack the deal if you practice them overnight before the game.  

Be mindful when you practice or hit a spike in a match. A casual full-blown spike might lead to shoulder injuries in some unfortunate cases. To avoid it try to work on your balance and core strength. 

You are all set for your spike. Be confident and focused on your next move. Focus on your approach to building the required power.  Keep your eyes on this space for more such guide on difficult volleyball moves and strategies. 

FAQs on spiking in Volleyball

Now get out there and start bouncing some balls.

Keep spiking,

Ryan Walker