Logo AQUA

9 Essential Volleyball Techniques for Beginners

Healthy Lifestyle | 05 June 2026

Share this:

9 Essential Volleyball Techniques for Beginners

Volleyball is a popular team sport played around the world. In this game, each team consists of six players and follows a set of rules and basic techniques, as in soccer or basketball. 

Interestingly, volleyball can be played both on courts or sandy beaches. Although it may not be as popular as soccer, volleyball remains the favorite and is commonly played in both urban and rural areas. 

Volleyball is typically played as a mild sport. However, if you do not understand the fundamental techniques, volleyball can feel confusing. Therefore, let's get to know the essential techniques in volleyball below.

Essential Techniques in Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams, with each team consisting of six players. This game is very popular in Indonesia and requires players to master fundamental techniques to score points and defeat their opponent. 

Additionally, it is also important to understand the right techniques to reduce the risk of injury during the game. Here are some essential techniques in volleyball you need to know: 

1. Serve

The serve is one of the fundamental techniques in volleyball used to start a rally and create an early opportunity to score a point.

When executed properly, a serve can disrupt the opponent’s defense, making it difficult for them to build an attack. In volleyball, there are two common types of serves: the overhand serve and the underhand serve.

An overhand serve is performed by striking the ball above the head and is generally more challenging because it is intended to send the ball at high speed with a sharp downward trajectory.

Meanwhile, an underhand serve is a simpler technique performed by striking the ball from below waist level, making it commonly used by beginners. 

In general, a serve is performed by standing behind the service line with one foot positioned in front of the other for balance. The ball is then tossed and struck toward the opponent’s court using your preferred type of serve.

2. Passing

Passing is a fundamental technique in volleyball used to direct the ball to a teammate and is the first step in building an attack. This technique is divided into two types: forearm passing and overhead passing.

Forearm passing is used when the ball approaches the front area or side of the body at a height below the abdomen. 

To perform this technique, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your knees slightly bent. 

When the ball approaches, swing your forearm from the lower part forward until the ball makes contact with the area between the wrist and elbow. 

Meanwhile, overhead passing is performed when the ball is at shoulder height or higher using  the fingertips. 

This technique is performed with the body positioned slightly forward and your hands placed in front of your forehead. Shape your fingers into a half circle. When the ball makes contact with your fingertips, extend your wrists and arms upward to direct the ball to a teammate.

3. Smash

A smash is an essential technique in volleyball that involves hitting the ball forcefully into the opponent’s court to make it difficult to return. This technique is generally used to score points because the ball travels at high speed in a sharp downward trajectory.

To perform a smash, begin by leaning your body slightly forward with your weight supported by the front foot. Then, take two steps, making the last step wider before jumping while swinging both arms.

While in the air, strike the ball forcefully using the palm of your hand, land with your knees slightly bent and your body leaning forward. 

4. Digging

Digging is a fundamental technique in volleyball used to prevent the ball from touching the court after the opponent’s attack.

This technique is also commonly known as diving or a defensive dig and is typically used in emergency situations.

Players may dive forward while extending one or both arms to make contact with the ball before it lands on the court.

Compared to other techniques, digging is considered one of the most difficult skills because it requires consistent practice to execute properly without causing injury. 

5. Volleying

Volleying is an essential technique in volleyball used to pass the ball to a teammate, making it easier to set up an attack. This technique emphasizes finger flexibility and hand control.

Typically, the ball is received using the fingertips formed into a diamond shape and then redirected to a teammate, allowing them to set up or execute an attack against the opposing team.

6. Rolling

Rolling is a fundamental volleyball defensive technique used when the ball is approaching low to the ground. Similar to digging, rolling involves diving for the ball, then performing a controlled roll after contacting the court.

This move helps reduce the risk of injury and allows the player to return to the standing position more quickly to save the ball. 

7. Setting

Assist or setting is an essential volleyball technique typically performed on the second contact after the ball has been received through volleying. The second player who receives the ball is responsible for controlling the ball after the next attacking move. 

In this technique, the player controls the direction, spin, and height of the ball to allow the teammate to execute attacks optimally. 

8. Attacking

Attacking is a fundamental volleyball technique aimed at sending the ball into the opponent’s court to score a point. In addition to serving and passing, attacking skill is also important to dominate the game. 

Several types of attacking that can be used include spiking or powerful hitting along with jumping, tip with a gentle push over the net, and heat that is also hitting with additional power. 

Additionally, there is also a back row attack to deceive the opponent with two players, and roll shots by directing the ball to a certain spot, not only hitting forcefully. 

9. Blocking

Blocking is an essential volleyball technique used to stop or deflect the opponent’s attack, preventing the ball from entering the team’s court and the reducing opponent’s chances of scoring points. 

In this technique, proper body positioning, timing, and power are essential. Players can utilize their body, legs, and arms to strengthen their defense while maintaining a stable stance.

Blocking can be performed by jumping or from a stable position, but the player can only deflect or block the ball, not pass or carry it.

Those are several fundamental techniques in volleyball that you need to understand, from serving and passing to smashing and blocking.

Mastering each technique and building solid teamwork can improve your overall performance during the game, increasing your chances of winning matches. 

During the game, which can be physically demanding, maintaining proper hydration is also essential. Therefore, you can carry AQUA 600 ml, which is practical for your sports activities.

Then, why choose AQUA DULU? Because not all water is AQUA. AQUA has a naturally cold taste without being chilled, making it feel refreshing at every sip. 

AQUA is an Idonesian product that has halal certification and meets the standards of BPOM and SNI, so it is safe for daily consumption. 

Therefore, make sure to stay hydrated with AQUA, which is 100% Pure, 100% Indonesian, and 100% Halal, to keep fit and focused during the game.

Interestingly, you can also join AQUA 100% Untung promo for every purchase of an AQUA Galloon. Find the unique codes on the galloon cap, collect the codes, and earn points that can be redeemed for rewards through Keluarga SehatAQUA program.

Related Articles

No articles found.

This website uses cookie to make sure you get the best experience. Learn more .