Exercise: jumping to attack

In this video, you'll learn how to practise jumping to attack, or spike

You'll need a partner

Here are two exercises to practice: jumping, then jumping with a run up

Firstly, jumping

The aim of this exercise is to practise the last two steps of the jump and the jump itself

Step back to around one and a half metres from the net, facing the opposite side

Your partner positions themselves near to the net and slightly to your right, if you're right-handed. They stand on a chair or bench and hold the ball in front of them above the net during the whole exercise

Step from your right foot to your left if you're right-handed and jump

Raise your arms up as you push off,. Reach out and touch the ball in your partners' hands with your hitting arm

Don't forget to bend your knees as you push off to gain power, and when you land to cushion the impact

Repeat this sequence a few times to master this part of the jump

Secondly, jumping with a run upl

This time you'll do the entire run-up sequence

Position yourself just in front of the 3-metre attack line, while your partner stays in the same position as before

Do a full run-up and, if you're right-handed, step 'left-right-left' one after the other

Before the last two steps, to speed up your run:

Jump off from your left foot and throw your arms back

then land on your right foot, bringing your arms forward and touching the ball

Repeat the exercise several times

Practise well because a good run-up is the key to a good attack. Over to you!