What is considered a "legal serve" in volleyball?

A legal serve in volleyball is defined as one that passes over the net without making contact with it and successfully lands within the boundaries of the opponent's court. This is crucial because the primary objective of a serve is to put the ball into play in a way that challenges the opposing team.

When a serve directly passes over the net, it shows proper execution and technique, meeting the established rules of the game. If the serve fails to clear the net or lands outside the designated area of the court, it would be considered illegal. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes that the serve must clear the net entirely and land in-bounds to be deemed legal.

While specific serves can have variations, such as using one hand or originating from the back row, these factors do not constitute the main criteria for legality in serving. A serve that hits the net and still crosses over is typically seen in casual play but is not considered legal under official rules unless specific conditions apply, such as during a let serve situation in some leagues.