Spike
A hard, downward hit where you jump and swing at the ball above the net. The approach, jump, and arm swing combine to generate power—top-level players can hit 60 to 80+ mph. In everyday gym language, spike and hit mean the same thing, though the stat sheet records any scoring attack as a kill regardless of how hard you swung.
Example
Four-step approach, two-foot jump, full arm swing between the blockers, ball hits the floor for a kill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you spike a volleyball harder?
Generate power from your hip rotation and core, contact the ball at the peak of your jump, and let your wrist snap naturally at the end. Your legs and torso produce more force than your arm alone.
What is the difference between a spike and a kill?
A spike is the action of hitting the ball hard. A kill is the result: any attack that scores a point. You can get a kill off a tip or roll shot without spiking, and a spike that gets dug is not a kill.