What term describes the act of hitting the ball straight down into the opponent's court?

The term that accurately describes the act of hitting the ball straight down into the opponent's court is "spike." A spike is a powerful downward hit executed usually from above the net, showcasing an offensive move to score points. When a player jumps and swings their arm to make contact with the ball at its peak, the force and angle can result in the ball traveling sharply downwards, making it difficult for the opposing team to return.

This action is crucial in volleyball, as spikes are often one of the primary methods of scoring. Different techniques can enhance the effectiveness of a spike, such as the timing of the jump and the angle of the hit, but the essential characteristic remains the downward trajectory aimed at the opponent's court.

Other terms provided relate to different aspects of the game. For instance, a "block" refers to a defensive action where players attempt to intercept or redirect an opponent’s spike at the net, rather than delivering an offensive strike themselves. A "serve" initiates play and is delivered overhand or underhand from behind the back line to the other side of the court. Meanwhile, a "dive" generally refers to a defensive move to save a ball from hitting the ground, rather than an offensive play like a spike.