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Volleyball · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.1

Serving

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 25 October 2026 · markdown

The stance and the toss, the float, topspin, jump topspin and jump float serves, serving to zones, simple serving tactics, fixing common errors and serving drills.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1The serving stance and balanceTake a test

  1. The server starts with the weight back, ready to move it forward into the hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Moving the weight forward puts the body behind the swing.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Lining the body up with the target sends the arm, and the ball, the same way.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Holding it in front of the hitting shoulder means a short, simple toss to the hitting spot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A high elbow sets up a long, fast swing over the shoulder.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. The raised arm keeps the shoulders level and points the body at the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. A calm breath helps a server repeat the same motion under pressure.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Start back, toss, step forward and swing through.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Feet first, then hips and shoulders follow the same line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A's feet and shoulders point at the X; B is turned toward the side line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 2The tossTake a test

  1. A float toss is low and steady; a topspin toss goes higher for a full swing.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. The other hand places the ball while the hitting arm draws back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Any spin from the toss can carry through the contact and stop the ball floating.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Lifting with a straight arm and releasing late places the ball in the same spot each time.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. The jump server runs and jumps forward, so the toss goes up and forward into the court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A ball dropping from high up is moving faster and is harder to meet cleanly.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Many jump servers toss with the hitting hand, which helps them time the approach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Hold, lift, release and keep the eyes on the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Float tosses are low; topspin tosses higher; jump serve tosses highest, for the run-up.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A good float toss lands just in front of the hitting shoulder's side.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 3The float serveTake a test

  1. Stopping the arm soon after contact keeps spin off the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Any wrist action rolls the ball and takes away the float.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A longer flight gives the ball more chance to swerve or drop.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. An off-centre hit puts spin on the ball, so it flies steadily instead of moving.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A float can drop late, so a little extra height keeps it out of the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Without spin, the panels stay almost still, which is the sign of a float.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Floats trade speed for movement that is hard to read.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Low toss, high-elbow swing, firm central contact and a short finish.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. No spin means the air can push the ball off its line late in the flight.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A float moves irregularly; a topspin serve dives on a smooth curve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 4The topspin serveTake a test

  1. Reaching up and over the ball lets the hand roll forward across it.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. The wrist snap rolls the hand over the ball and creates the forward spin.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Topspin makes the ball drop, so a hard hit can still land inside.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A full, fast swing needs time, so the topspin toss is higher.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Forward rotation is what makes the ball dive.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Finishing the swing fully keeps the arm accelerating through contact.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Receivers see a fast ball that drops sharply as it comes over.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Higher toss, high elbow, contact over the top, full finish.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The swing passes from the body out along the arm, ending with the wrist snap.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. The hand starts just below centre and rolls up and over the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 5The jump topspin serveTake a test

  1. The jump serve approach copies the attack approach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. The take-off must be from behind the end line; the landing may be in the court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. The run-up and jump are aimed at the toss, so a wandering toss ruins the serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Power brings risk: jump servers miss more serves than float servers.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Throwing it out in front gives the run-up somewhere to go.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A forward take-off from behind the line carries the server over it; landing inside is allowed.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The arm swing is the same as an attacker's, with a wrist snap over the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Toss, approach, take-off behind the line, hit and land.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. A poor toss upsets the approach and the timing of the hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A run-up, a jump and a spike-like arm swing: the jump topspin serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 6The jump float serveTake a test

  1. The jump float is struck firmly and flat so the ball does not spin.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Contact from a jump starts the ball higher, so it can travel flat over the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. The jump float uses a short, simple approach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. It combines pace with the unpredictable movement of a float.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A low, one-hand toss keeps the timing simple.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. With less power and a simpler toss, the jump float is more reliable.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. It arrives quickly and can still swerve or drop just before the pass.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. A short toss and approach, a small jump and a firm, flat hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Underhand below the waist, standing float above the head, jump float in the air.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A short jump and a flat, firm hit with a straight path: the jump float.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 7Serving to zonesTake a test

  1. Zones go 1 back right, 2 front right, 3 front middle, 4 front left, 5 back left, 6 back middle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Zone 2 is the front right, in front of zone 1 at the back right.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Deep corners make receivers move back and sideways.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A serve into the setter's path can delay or stop the setter reaching the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A short serve makes a front-row hitter pass, which spoils the attack approach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Zone 3, the front middle, is in front of zone 6, the back middle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Serving the line aims deep and close to the side line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Zone 3 front middle, 4 front left, 5 back left, 6 back middle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. From the end line back toward the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Zone 5 is the back left of the receiving team, seen as it faces the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 8Serving tacticsTake a test

  1. Each missed serve is a point for the opponents, so coaches watch the balance of risk.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. A player coming in cold has not yet found the rhythm of the match.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A hitter who has to pass first approaches late and attacks less well.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Missing two in a row gives away easy points.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Variety keeps the receivers guessing.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A miss at set point gives the set away; a safe serve makes them earn it.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Making a big player run forward and bend low is uncomfortable for them.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Look, pick a target, choose the serve, then serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. More power and tighter targets bring more errors.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. The libero is usually the best passer, so servers aim elsewhere.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 9Fixing common serving errorsTake a test

  1. A toss too far in front is hit as it drops, so the ball goes down into the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Contact below the centre lifts the ball; a central hit keeps it on line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A toss that drifts left pulls the swing, and the ball, to the left.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. With the elbow low, the swing becomes short and flat.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A familiar routine helps the body repeat a practised motion.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Without the wrist roll the ball leaves with little spin.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The serves that matter come late in sets, when players are tired.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Observe, diagnose, change one thing, test.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Check the parts of the serve in the order they come.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. B's elbow sits below shoulder height.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 10Serving drillsTake a test

  1. Serving and then moving to defence is what happens in a real rally.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. A clear target gives servers a measure of how reliable they are.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Scoring adds the pressure servers feel in matches.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Being able to serve from any spot makes the serve harder to read.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A radar gun shows the ball's speed.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Real serves give passers real practice, and passed balls tell servers how they did.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. From behind, the line of the toss, swing and ball flight is easy to see.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Build up from simple contact to full-distance serves at targets.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Line up, serve at targets, score hits, play to 20.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Hoops as targets train servers to place the ball in chosen areas.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Sources

FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II) and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIVB rules belong to the Rules category.

  • FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references100