How to Instantly Add Power to Your Volleyball Hitting with 3 Simple Tips

You’ve seen it before: someone small in stature jumps and BOOM—the hit echoes across the court. And then there's a taller player who barely gets the ball over the net despite swinging as hard as they can.

Power in volleyball isn’t about size or muscle—it’s about timing, mechanics, and energy transfer. Most players think they need to hit harder by “trying harder.” That’s where they go wrong.

The Real Reason Your Hits Are Weak

If your hits feel soft or floaty even when you're putting in max effort, chances are you’re missing one (or all) of these fundamentals:

• Poor timing: Jumping too early or too late
• Flat-footed approach: No upward energy from the legs
• Disconnected swing: Arm moving without the help of your core or hips

Result: You swing hard... and the ball barely moves.

3 Core Elements That Create Power

1. Perfect Timing with the Set

Your power starts with when you jump. Mistimed jumps break the entire energy chain.

• Jump at the peak of the set, not before or after.
• Watch the setter’s hands and sync your last step with their release.

Tip: Record your jumps in slow motion—you’ll be surprised how often you're early.

2. Arm Swing Mechanics

A strong hit isn't a push—it's a whip.

• Relaxed backswing
• Full shoulder rotation
• Fast arm snap at the point of contact

Think: snap a towel, not throw a rock.

3. Core Engagement & Rotation

Your core is the power bridge between your legs and arms.

• Twist through your hips and shoulders
• Snap at contact
• Finish with a balanced landing

If your abs and obliques aren’t firing, you’re leaving power on the table.

Drills That Actually Help You Hit Harder

Timing Drill – One-Step Approach into Jump

• Use a high ball and jump from a single step.
• Focus on peaking at the same time as the ball.
• Great for setters and hitters to build rhythm.

Arm Speed Drill – Resistance Band Swings

• Loop a band around a pole.
• Mimic your arm swing at high speed.
• Focus on whip motion, not push.

This builds fast-twitch muscles for explosive arm acceleration.

Core Snap Drill – Medicine Ball Throws

• Start with a sideways stance.
• Rotate and throw a medicine ball against the wall.
• Engages hips, core, and shoulder in a single explosive move.

Do this 3x a week and you’ll feel the difference.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Jumping too early: You fall before you hit.
• Stiff shoulders: Limit range and snap.
• Lazy core: No rotation = weak hit.
• Over-muscling the ball: Effort ≠ Efficiency.

The Truth About Height and Muscle

Power hitters aren’t always tall. They’re smart with their mechanics. Shorter players with proper timing and whip-like arms often out-hit taller, bulkier teammates.

Need proof? Watch Olympic liberos and shorter outside hitters—they still score from the back row using perfect form.

Coach Tips to Improve Your Swing

• “Jump into the ball, not just up.”
• “If it looks slow, it sounds slow. Focus on speed, not strength.”
• “Your last two steps control the swing timing—drill them daily.”

Consistency matters more than cranking one highlight hit. Coaches want repeatable power, not one lucky swing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do I hit hard in practice but not in games?

Game pressure can mess with timing. Drill your approach until it’s automatic.

2. Can I increase power without lifting weights?

Absolutely. Focus on timing, core drills, and resistance band work.

3. Should I swing faster or jump higher?

Both help, but a fast swing with good timing creates more consistent power.

4. My arms hurt after hitting. What’s wrong?

You may be muscling the ball or lacking core support. Fix mechanics first.

5. Can I hit hard if I’m under 6 feet?

Yes! Speed + timing = power. Technique always wins over height.

6. What’s a “snap”?

It’s the final wrist and arm motion that gives the ball spin and speed. Think of cracking a whip.

Conclusion + Growth Plan

If you’re swinging hard but hitting soft, it’s time to stop guessing and start training smart.

Fix your:

• Timing
• Arm mechanics
• Core rotation

Then drill them every week. Your hits will look, feel, and sound different—stronger, cleaner, and way more confident.