The Beach Volleyball Spike

How is the 'spike' in beach volleyball executed?

Now for the spike or the attack. It is very important that after you pass the ball, you want to move into the correct position. On the beach, you will only need about two steps to get your maximum jump to attack the ball. If you start your approach too far back you won't make it to the set. So pass the ball, move up into position where you need two steps only to get to the ball. And then you have to wait to the set. You see the set, and then explode very fast to the ball. Explode up in the air, reaching, contacting the ball at its highest point, and driving it down into the other side of the court. So remember, pass the ball, move out, wait until you see the set, come in fast and hard, and then explode up in the air, reach high, contact snapping your wrist, and driving the ball down into the other side of the court.

How important is it to learn to attack from both sides?

Most beach volleyball players are better attacking from one side or the other. In other words, you are either better from the right side of the court or the left side of the court. And, generally you'll find that a good right side player will look for a great left side player so that they compliment each other. Now, if you're able to attack the ball from both sides of the court, one, you'll have more partners to choose from, but, two, during a rally when there's a dug ball and the ball's in the air and you're not on your normal side, you'll be better at attacking the ball from the other side if you're able to do it from both sides.

What is it about spiking in beach volleyball that makes it so exciting?

Spiking in beach volleyball is probably the most exciting part of the game because you're jumping up in the air and you're attacking the ball - hitting it as hard as you can, driving it down into the opponent's court. So, just the sheer, physical aspect of jumping and attacking the ball is exciting for everybody.

Is there a particular zone the ball should be spiked into?

The ideal zone for the ball to be spiked into is the zone where your opponents are not. In other words, you want to find the open court when you're spiking the ball. The most impressive spike is the one that you direct almost straight down, because that's the one that bounces up in the air, and everyone says, “Oh!”