Spike
A hard swing that sends the ball down into the other court. You approach, jump, and contact the ball above the net. In the gym, spike and hit mean that swing. On the stat sheet, the swing is an attack. It becomes a kill only if it scores. At the top levels, spikes often leave the hand somewhere around 50 to 80 miles per hour, depending on the player.
Example
The hitter takes a four-step approach, jumps off two feet, and swings between the blockers. The ball hits the floor. That is a spike, and because it scored, it is a kill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you spike a volleyball harder?
Most of the pace comes from your approach, your hips, and your core, not from muscling the ball with your arm. Contact the ball at the top of your jump, in front of your hitting shoulder, and let the wrist snap at the end.
What is the difference between a spike and a kill?
A spike is the hard swing. A kill is the result: any attack that scores, including a tip or a roll shot. A spike that gets dug is not a kill. A tip that hits the floor is.