Jump float build-up

The jump float is usually attempted in one go and then half mastered for years. Here it is taken apart: first from a stand, then with one step in, then the full approach — and you only move on once the previous step is on target. The catcher rolls every ball back, so the server never has to wait between steps.

2 players 7 phases ± 15 min 6 balls, full court with net From U19 upwards, or advanced seniors

Phase 1 of 7Server ready with two balls; the catcher stands deep

Server and catcher Ball

This animation comes straight out of the Koach app. In the app you play it at your own pace and the positions carry your players' real names.

Open in the app

How the drill runs

What you are training

Step by step: float from a standstill, with one approach step, then a full jump float at the highest point.

Keeping the toss identical while the approach gets longer and longer.
Moving the contact point higher without putting spin on the ball.
An approach that ends in a jump straight up, not into the court.

Coaching points

The toss does not change when the approach is added.

That is the whole drill. On the jump version players automatically toss further forward and then have to chase the ball; the height and the placement should stay exactly the same.

Toss with two hands, on the jump float as well.

With one hand the ball is almost impossible to repeat once an approach is added. Two hands give a calmer ball and keep your shoulders square to the net.

Jump up, not forward.

A server who dives into the court on the jump lands over the end line and has a foot fault. On top of that the power disappears forward instead of going into the ball.

Contact the ball at the highest point and keep the hand firm.

The gain of the jump float is the steeper downward angle. You only get it if the contact is above your head and the hand does not swing through.

Variations

Easier: Stay on steps one and two for a few sessions: from a stand and with one step in. Only when ten in a row land in does the jump get added.
Harder: Add a fourth step: the full approach, but the ball has to land in the back three meters. Height and depth at the same time.
With ten players: Five servers per side, each at his own stage of the build-up. Miss a step and you drop back to the previous one; that way nobody stands waiting for the rest.
As a game: Eight balls each: from a stand one point, with a step in two, a full jump float three. Only balls in the court count; the highest total wins.

Volleyball drills

4 players · 6 phases SafeVolley base round Warm-up 3 players · 5 phases Shoulder activation with band Warm-up 2 players · 6 phases Dynamic movement patterns Warm-up 5 players · 5 phases Core plank with rotation Warm-up

Read on in the knowledge base: the jump serve from toss to contact · the toss that fits your serve · building jumping power