Whether you play sand volleyball on a beach or take part in a game on an inside court, you’ll still need to learn the basics to become a valuable player. Knowing how to set up and strike the ball for different hits will ensure it travels over the net and brings your team closer to victory. To improve your skills, below are three moves to practice. 

3 Court & Sand Volleyball Hits to Work on During Practice

1. Bump   

After the ball is served across the net, players use the bump to keep it in the air and pass to each other. To set up the underhand hit, keep your arms apart and extended in front of you, with knees bent. As the ball approaches, move your arms closer together and tap the ball with your inner arms. This provides enough force to keep the ball in the air but is light enough to ensure it’s easy for the next player to control.      

2. Spike

A spike is the attack move a player uses to force the ball over the net and score a point. The ball is in play close to the net when a player gets in position for the move. Move quickly during the approach, jump into the air and use an overhand hit to launch the ball over the net. When striking the ball, make sure to keep your arm completely extended and use a downward motion to force it over the net during the jump.

3. Set

Players use the set hit to elevate the ball higher in the air and provide the momentum to spike it over the net. To assume the proper posture, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with the right foot extended slightly in front and knees bent slightly. Your arms should hover above the head, with fingers close together, creating an open triangle shape between the thumbs and forefingers. This makes it easier to launch the ball into the air. When the ball approaches, jump as you make contact with the ball to put extra force into the move.

To become a better sand volleyball player, you can practice your skills at Greene Valley Recreation Club. Based in Dayton, OH, the club is the go-to source for members in Montgomery County to enjoy swimming, tennis, and sand volleyball to reduce stress and stay in shape. To learn more about membership options and activities, call (937) 426-3273 or visit the facility online for details. Keep in touch on Facebook to see photos of the recreation areas.