The serve in beach volleyball

The first technique we look at is the float - also known as flutter serve. The float is a simple technique where you throw the ball with one arm and hit it over the net into the opposing half. Make sure that you throw the ball in front of your shoulder without giving it a spin, and play it with your flat hand in the center of the ball. If executed well, the ball won't spin, which makes it flutter. You use the angle of your open hand to determine where you want to play it. Make sure that your wrist is stable to have full control over the ball.

Easier to execute than the float but more difficult to perfect is the topspin. Here, you throw the ball in the air and hit it into the opponent's half. Unlike the float, you should play the ball above the center and fold your wrist forward to give it the desired spin. If you give the ball some spin when you throw it, it will be even more dangerous for the opponents.

You can perform both the float and topspin while standing or jumping. The jump serve is therefore not a serve in itself, but rather a possible execution. In contrast to a standing serve, you have to jump after throwing the ball into the air. The movement of your arms is identical to a standing serve. When performing a jump serve, pay attention to the right height and timing to hit the ball perfectly.

Skyball is a unique type of serve in beach volleyball where you use the weather, especially the sun and wind, to your advantage. Skyball is a serve from below, where you play the ball very high in the air. The sun should make it difficult for your opponent to see the ball, which makes it difficult to trap the ball. The wind can also help to make the ball unpredictable. This serve is particularly effective when you have the sun at your back or when your opponent has problems judging the direction of flight.