Good footwork gets you to the ball before it arrives, so every other skill becomes easier. Let's get those feet moving!
Feet a bit wider than shoulders, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet. Lean forward slightly with your arms relaxed in front. This is your home position for every play.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Imagine sitting on a tall stool. That's how low you should be!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stand on your heels. Heels make you slow.
Take tiny, fast steps on the spot, like your feet are on hot sand. These small steps help you make last-moment adjustments to get perfectly behind the ball.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Little steps are quick steps!
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Don't jump high on each step. Stay low and light.
Step to the side with the foot closest to where you're going, then bring the other foot next to it. Don't let your feet cross or touch. Stay low and keep your shoulders facing the net.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Step-together, step-together, like a crab!
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Don't cross your legs. You could trip and lose balance.
For short balls, push off your back foot and take quick running steps forward. Stay low as you arrive so you can still pass the ball. Stop with a wide, balanced stance.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Run low, stop low!
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Don't stand up tall while running forward. You'll have to bend down again.
For deep balls, turn your hips slightly and take quick backward shuffle steps or crossover steps while watching the ball. Keep your weight forward so you don't fall back.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Keep your chin and chest forward when you move back.
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Don't run backwards on your heels with your head tipped back. It's easy to fall.
After every touch, move quickly back to your home spot and drop into the ready position again. Volleyball is fast, so be ready for the next ball.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Touch, recover, ready! Every single time.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stand and watch your great pass. Get back to ready!