How to Spike a Volleyball

The first time I successfully executed a powerful spike during the Great Lakes Regional Championship, the rush of adrenaline was unforgettable. 

As an outside hitter, I had spent countless hours practicing my approach, timing, and arm swing. Still, that day, that moment, when the ball connected with my palm and swooshed onto the opponent’s court, leaving them stunned, was when I truly fell in love with the art of spiking.

Throughout my volleyball career, from high school tournaments to college championships, I’ve learned that a well-executed spike is more than just raw power – it’s a combination of technique, timing, and strategy. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mastering the volleyball spike.

Spiking a Volleyball: Techniques and Tips 

A spike is when you hit the ball towards the opponent’s court with great force. This is mainly done to score a point by putting the receivers off-guard. Sometimes, it is used to change the momentum of the game.  

Players on the winning team and spectators cherish the spike, as it shifts the game’s momentum.  

Today, I will walk you through the techniques of spiking a volleyball. I’ve also included alternatives to traditional spike methods and tips for improvement. 

What is a Spike? 

A spike is an offensive play where the player jumps up in the air and hits the ball with full force, downwards. This aggressive play ensures that the ball straightaway crosses the net. Receivers find it difficult to return the ball due to its speed and force. 

You can only attempt to spike if you are in the front row. Therefore, you must be an opposite hitter or an outside hitter.  Once playing as an outside hitter, I suggest you work on your core strength and athleticism to be great at spikes. 

How Does a Spike Help Your Game? 

I see spikes as strategic moves. They are not seen often because they need team coordination and planning. It is because of these three reasons:  

1. Scoring the Point 

First, a spike gives you an immediate point as it lands on the opposition’s court. When you combine the spike with a strategy and teamwork, blocking it can be extremely challenging. 

2. Shift in Match Momentum 

This is more of a psychological impact. If you score a spike, your team will be super excited, and motivated to carry out the success. They will try to ace their serves, blocks and defense. It might break the confidence of the receiving team, making it seem like the blockers are ineffective. 

The anxiety of another miss might cause them a fallout. But the receiving team faces the pressure on them to prove themselves in the next move. 

3. Boosts Offensive Strategy 

Effective spikes require coordinated teamwork and strategic planning to ensure the hitter’s success. The setter initiates and sets the ball for the hitter. The latter then analyses the opponent’s defenses before hitting them in their weakest areas. 

The attacking team uses back-to-back powerful hits to stop the other team from planning the next move. 

Different Types of Spikes 

There are about 14-16 types of skips that are used in volleyball. I will discuss 5 of the most common spikes used on court. 

Cross Court Spike 

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, if you are playing from Zone 4, your ball must hit the extreme right or the right of the frontcourt of the opponent’s team.  

Players don’t usually expect a hit reaching this position; therefore, they get surprised and miss the spike. You must be good at jump height, core strength, hand contact and arm swing. 

Reverse Court Spike 

Reverse court spike can be a little tricky to master. This is hit from a corner of the court but does not go diagonally as in a cross-court spike. Rather, this move sends the ball at a right angle to the player.  

Face away from the target and swing the ball as usual. Place your thumb downwards and palm upwards to snap your arm and hit the ball in the other direction. The success of this move depends on arm snap and extension. But be careful cause this makes your shoulder prone to an injury. 

Line Spike 

This is one of the most used spikes in volleyball matches. Here you will directly hit the ball straight towards the receiving team’s court.  

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. 

Meter Spike 

Meter spike is also known as a hype spike or bounce spike as the ball crosses the net downwards. After crossing, it hits the court between the net and the 10-foot line.   

Skilled players use this move to intimidate their opponents or cheer their teammates with a thud or loud noise. But this can be blocked if a skilled blocker is near the net.   

Target Spike 

Here, the player does not hit the opponent to miss the ball but to target the weakest player. For example, if a setter is good at setting or hitting, it is targeted with this spike. As they are bad at passing, they tend to lose the ball.  

Here, they notice a player’s weakness, take time, create a strategy and then wipe the player out. Now let’s talk about the basic techniques of a spike. 

Techniques for a Great Spike 

You can achieve a great spike with the combination of best footwork, arm swing and hand contact.   

Footwork and Approach 

Learn how to take the position and approach the ball before hitting it. A few quick steps towards the net helps build forward momentum. This will strengthen your core muscles and help maintain your balance!  

Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. It will help you to push yourself off the ground for the jump. Keep your hands stretched over your head to get higher during the jump.  

Mechanics of Arm Swing  

There are three key steps in perfecting your arm swing. These are the windup, acceleration and follow-up. 

Players position their hands near their shoulder joints to boost acceleration. It means stretching out the arm to create contact with the ball. Players start by rotating their shoulders. They then elongate their forearms and make the wrist snap. 

Aim to hit the ball at its highest point. After making the contact, your arm should orient the ball towards the target. Snap your wrist to launch the spike. 

Hand Contact 

Hand contact drives the targeting and positioning of the ball before the spike. To make a successful spike, you must hit with the heel of your hands. A large surface area will give you more power and control.   

The next is the follow-through approach where players extend their hand in contact with the ball. They extend it towards the target and launch the ball. It helps you add more control and power to your spike.  

Training and Exercises for Great Spikes   

I have broken down the movements into three parts to tell you about the drills.  

Train for Footwork 

• 1-2 step approach 

Start close to the net. Step forward with your non-dominant foot followed by a powerful step by your dominant foot. Keep practicing to develop muscle memory for this approach. 

• 3 step approach 

This is a modification to the previous drill. Take a hop using your non-dominant foot. Then, take another step with your dominant foot. Make a powerful jump by placing your non-dominant foot and pushing your body upwards. 

• Train with a resistance band 

Attach a resistance band either to your ankle or your waist and practice the above-mentioned drills. This will increase the intensity of this training.  

Hand Movements Exercises  

• Ball control 

You need a partner for this or use a wall if you don’t have someone to practice with. Practice passing and hitting the ball with the person or the wall. This will improve ball control and power. 

• Wall hitting  

Extend your arm and snap your wrist when hitting the ball towards the wall. This will improve your arm swing strength and control. 

• Partner toss 

Stand a few feet apart from your partner and ask them to pass or throw the ball at you. Practice hitting it back to perfect your spike technique. This practice will improve your hand contact, timing of the spike and the follow-through. 

Game Simulations 

I believe that practicing in a real game scenario will prepare you best to endure the pressure during matches. Here, your team will try to create a similar scenario for practice matches. 

• Practice Hitting the Target 

Set props or partners across the practice net. Place multiple props with different heights. Challenge yourself by targeting spikes on these players. This will increase the accuracy of your ball placement. 

• Practice with dummy blocks 

Ask your partner to act as the opponent’s blocker. Practice your spike against these blocks. Try to use different types of spikes that you have learnt. This will make you comfortable tackling different blocks and strategizing quickly. 

• Imitate Live Games 

Divide your players into two teams and practice a mini game. Plan multiple spikes in your offence strategy. Practice your spike timing, hits and approach.  

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