Underhand Serve
A serve contacted with an underhand swing, low to high, usually around waist height or below. It is legal under FIVB, NCAA, and high school rules, and it is the easiest serve to put in the court. The tradeoff is pace. The ball arrives slowly, and a decent passer will put it on target. You still see it in youth games, and sometimes as a surprise when a soft ball finds a seam.
Example
The server steps, swings underhand, and the ball drops in with a high arc. The pass is perfect. The coach asks for more pace the next time they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do an underhand serve in volleyball?
Hold the ball in front of your hitting shoulder, step with the opposite foot, and swing low to high. Contact the lower half of the ball with a firm hand so it rebounds instead of sitting on your palm.
Is the underhand serve used in competitive volleyball?
Rarely in college or pro matches, because it is easy to pass. It is common in youth volleyball, and a player will sometimes use a short underhand serve on purpose to find an open seam.