Step 1: Make sure you stretch about 10-20 seconds before hitting. Try to focus especially on arms and legs. This will reduce any injury or the risk of pulling a muscle.
Step 2: This is called "transition". Move to the back of the 10 foot line and adjust yourself where you feel most comfortable hitting from.
Step 3: Be sure to always watch where the ball is going. The setter should be calling the name of your position, your name, the number of your position, or any nicknames your team has for that position. Also, make sure to call the ball very loudly for everyone to here, especially the setter.
Step 4: This is taking your approach. Once the ball is set to you, you want to (if you are right handed) step with your left foot, then your right foot, then left foot, then jump and swing and vice versa if you are left handed (right left-right). You should be at a forty-five degree angle from the net.
Step 5: To hit the ball harder, make sure the ball isn't directly overhead, but in front of you. To jump higher, it's helpful if you swing your arms backward then forward like a swing motion. Don't forget to keep your knees bent.
Step 6: For better aiming, use an open hand, not a fist and remember to always be behind the ball.
Step 7: To add topspin to the hit, you want to flick your hand so it will hit the ground faster. Be careful not to "carry" the ball as this will cause your team a penalty.
Step 8: Bring your arm through the ball and next to your body. This will ensure that you don't lose momentum during your hit. Bend your knees when you land to absorb the shock.
Remember you don't always have to ht the ball. You can totally surprise your opponents by tipping the ball barely over the blockers.
How to hit a volleyball. Photograph. USA VolleyballWeb. 9 Oct 2013. <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gke3t8bUTCE/UKq0moON7FI/AAAAAAAAABg/uwO45zuOymE/s1600/spiking1.jpg>.
