During service, one of the players in the front, called the pitcher, tosses the ball to the kicker, i.e. the player in the service circle, who is also referred to as the server.

The server then has to kick the ball pitched at him over the net, using one of his feet, since he is not allowed his use his hands nor forearms.

To give the ball ample velocity, the kicker will try to hit the ball at a high enough height, swinging on of his legs to almost vertical position, in order to smash the ball over the net with great power and speed.