Overhand Breakdown

DESCRIPTION

Step 1: Warm-Up

1. Players partner into groups of 2
2. Partners stand across from each other on opposite sides of the net
3. Player with ball keeps feet together followed by one-step forward and release to partner.
4. Once both partners have successfully thrown the ball, they take a step back. This continues until at the backline of the court.

• Key: When throwing to partner, thrower should freeze hand as it pushes forward. Make sure players are focusing on one-step forward.

Step 2: The Lift (Toss)

1. Players weight back on dominate hitting hand foot (ex: right foot). Test by lifting up nondominate hitting hand foot. It should be balanced.
2. Hold ball in front of serving shoulder.
3. Elbow high and palm facing the ground to start.
4. Lift the ball and step almost simultaneously. One step only.
5. Ball bounces to the floor, and player catches it.
6. Partners switch turns.

Step 3: Float Serve

1. Player wraps up all movements from Step 2 at this point but includes the hit.
2. At the ball is tossed with a step, the player should focus on hitting square on back of ball with dominate hand. Hand is nice and open while freezing very high.
3. As each partner successfully hits, they will move back farther to the backline of the court.

COACHING POINTS

Step 1: Warm Up

• If ball does not go right to partner, thrower should pay attention to where hand is freezing and adjust.

Step 2: The Lift (Toss)

• Watch height of lift. Do not want ball to go to high.
• Ball should land right in front of serving shoulder, in front of dominate foot. Very important the toss in front of hitting shoulder.

Step 3: Serve

• Players must make sure to watch alignment of the toss.
• Throwing hitting hand across the body must be corrected.