The Serve Fig. 1

One way to optimize a volleyball serve is to minimize the time the ball spends in the air. This in turn minimizes the reaction time of the opposing team, making it more difficult for them to return the shot. In this analysis of the volleyball physics, we will look at ways to minimize the time the ball spends in the air, after the serve is made.

To set up this physics of volleyball analysis we must first define the different variables in the problem. The figure below shows a top view of a volleyball court, with labels given as shown.

Where:

La is the distance from the serve location (behind the end line) to the net, along the direction the volleyball is served

Lb is the arbitrary distance from the net to where the ball lands on the other side of the court, along the direction the volleyball is served

d is the distance beyond the net where the ball lands

α is the angle the volleyball trajectory makes with the side line