How to Swing Harder in Volleyball: Pro Tips & Training Drills

The Art of Spiking Hard

You’ve probably seen it before—someone jumps high, swings fast, and boom—the ball slams into the floor before the defenders even react. That’s the kind of spike that makes the crowd go wild and sends a message: don’t even try to block me.

But here’s the truth: hitting hard isn’t just about strength. It’s about technique, timing, and knowing exactly how to use your body. If you’re tired of your spikes getting blocked or feeling like they lack power, you’re about to level up.

Step One: The Approach That Gives You Air

Before you can hit hard, you need to jump high. And that all starts with your approach.

The Three-Step Rule:
If you're right-handed: Left-right-left.
If you're left-handed: Right-left-right.

The key is slow to fast movement. Your first step is controlled, your second builds speed, and your last is an explosive launch. If you sprint from the start, you’ll lose power in your jump.

💡 Pro Tip: Swing your arms back as you take your last step, then launch them up as you jump—it gives you extra lift.

Step Two: Arm Swing = The Power Generator

Your arm swing is where the magic happens. A lazy swing means a weak hit. A fast, controlled swing? That’s what makes a spike unstoppable.

How to Swing Like a Pro:
- Elbow high – If your elbow is low, you lose power. Keep it above your ear before swinging.
- Whip it, don’t push it – Think of your arm like a whip—fast, loose, and powerful.
- Snap your wrist – This creates topspin, making the ball drop faster and harder.

💡 Pro Tip: If your spikes keep going out, try aiming for the top half of the ball. The wrist snap will make it dive into the court.

Step Three: Strength = More Explosiveness

If you want to hit harder, you have to build the muscles that power your spike.

Best Exercises for Spikers:
- Leg Power – Squats, lunges, and box jumps for stronger takeoff.
- Core Strength – Russian twists, planks, and hanging leg raises for stability and balance.
- Shoulder Power – Resistance band swings and overhead presses for stronger, injury-free hits.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have weights, grab a volleyball, hold it with both hands, and slam it against the floor as hard as you can. It builds explosive arm strength and trains your wrist snap.

Step Four: Contact & Accuracy = A Smart Hitter

Even if you have the hardest spike in the world, it’s useless if it gets blocked or goes out. The best hitters don’t just hit hard—they hit smart.

How to Make Every Spike Count:
Hit at the peak of your jump. More height gives you better angles to attack.
Find the weak spot. Watch the blockers. Aim for gaps or swipe off their hands.
Mix it up. A good spiker isn’t predictable—sometimes, a roll shot or a cut shot works better than pure power.

💡 Pro Tip: Try spiking with your eyes open (yes, really). If you can see where the defense is before you hit, you can adjust in mid-air.

Training Drills to Build an Insane Spike

Great spikers aren’t just born—they train hard and smart. Here are some drills to develop power and accuracy.

Jump Higher:
- Box Jumps – Builds explosive leg power.
- Bounding Steps – Helps you time your approach better.
- Wall Touch Drill – Jump, touch the wall, repeat. Aim for higher touches every time.

Swing Faster:
- Towel Drill – Hold a towel instead of a ball and swing hard. Helps increase speed.
- Medicine Ball Slams – Builds shoulder strength for a powerful hit.
- Shadow Spiking – Practice the motion without a ball to refine your technique.

Improve Accuracy:
- Target Spiking – Place cones or zones on the court and aim for them.
- Solo Wall Spiking – Hit against a wall with control. Focus on wrist snap.
- Live Hitting with a Setter – Simulates real-game situations.

💡 Pro Tip: Record yourself and watch your form. Small adjustments can make a huge difference.

Final Step: The Mindset of a Killer Spiker

The best spikers don’t just rely on talent. They train harder, analyze their mistakes, and never stop improving.

💭 Ask yourself:
- Are you practicing like you play?
- Are you pushing yourself outside your comfort zone?
- Are you obsessed with getting better?

Spiking harder isn’t about luck. It’s about effort, technique, and the will to dominate.
Now get out there and start crushing those spikes.

If you need a 1-on-1 coaching session to master your swing, check tryrewind.co to find an expert coach who will analyze your game, improve your technique, and give you personalized advice to level up your volleyball skills.

Now get out there and start crushing those spikes.