In volleyball, the serve is the only time you have total control over the ball. It’s the start of every point and your first opportunity to put the opposing team on their heels. At Parma Volleyball , we believe a strong serve isn’t just about power—it’s about consistency, placement, and a little bit of psychology. If you’re looking to turn your serve into a weapon, here are three ways to refine your technique before your next match. 1. Master Your Toss The most common mistake players make happens before the hand even touches the ball. A shaky toss leads to a shaky serve. The Fix: Practice tossing the ball with your non-dominant hand so that it lands in the same spot every time. You want it slightly in front of your hitting shoulder so your body weight naturally moves forward into the court. 2. Find the "Sweet Spot" Whether you’re hitting a standing float or a high-velocity jump serve, contact is king. To get that unpredictable "float" movement that drives passers crazy, you need to hit the ball dead-center with a firm, flat palm. The Fix: Think "stop-sign hand." Keep your wrist stiff and pull your hand back immediately after contact to minimize spin. 3. Aim for the "Seams" Don’t just serve "in"—serve with intention. The hardest balls to pass are the ones that fall right between two players (the seams). The Fix: During practice, visualize the court in zones. Try to target the deep corners or the "short" zone just behind the 10-foot line to keep the defense guessing. Practice Makes Permanent As the saying goes, "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." Join us during our Open Gym hours this Tuesday and Thursday to get some extra reps in. Our coaches are always around to help you tweak your toss or find that extra bit of power.  Ready to ace the competition? We'll see you at the service line!