Underhand Serve
A serve contacted below the waist using a pendulum arm swing. Legal under all major rule sets (FIVB, NCAA, high school) and typically the first serve players learn because of its consistency. The tradeoff is that the ball arrives slowly and is easy to pass.
Example
Little arc, big safety, the ball is in, the pass is perfect, coach wants more pace next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do an underhand serve in volleyball?
Toss to your hitting shoulder line, step with the opposite foot, swing from low to high, contact under center. Keep the motion tight so you are not slapping a lift.
Is the underhand serve used in competitive volleyball?
Rare in DI and pro because it is easy to pass. It still shows in youth and in smart spot serves when a soft ball buys you an angle you want.