What is a Volley in Soccer?

Introduction

Soccer, known as football outside North America, is a sport rich with technique, strategy, and an array of skilled maneuvers that players can use to outplay their opponents and score goals. Among these is the volley, a term derived from the French word ‘volée’ meaning flight.

In soccer, a volley is a technique that involves striking the ball before it hits the ground, demonstrating a player’s timing, precision, and technical skill.

The Beauty of the Volley

A volley is not merely a method to hit a soccer ball; it is an art form within the sport. It is a moment when a player connects with the ball mid-air, creating an unpredictable and often powerful shot.

The beauty of a volley lies in its spontaneity and the elegance with which it is executed.

Watching a player strike a volley is to witness a moment of pure instinct combined with practiced skill, a spectacle that often leads to some of the most memorable goals in soccer history.

Technical Breakdown of a Volley

Executing a successful volley requires a combination of several technical aspects:

• Judgment: A player must judge the trajectory and speed of the incoming ball.
• Positioning: Decide the best body position for the strike.
• Timing: Time their kick to meet the ball at the optimal moment.
• Contact: The choice of foot surface—whether the laces, the instep, or the side of the foot—will determine the power and direction of the shot.
• Balance: The supporting foot must be positioned to provide stability, while the upper body needs to lean back slightly to keep the ball from soaring over the goal.

Types of Volleys

There are various types of volleys in soccer, each with its own technique and tactical use:

Standard Volleys

The standard volley is hit with the laces of the boot, typically used for powerful shots at goal.

Side Volleys

The side volley, involving the side of the foot, offers more control and is often used to make passes over distance.

Half Volleys

The half-volley is another variation where the player strikes the ball immediately after it bounces off the ground.

Overhead / Bicycle Kick

The overhead or bicycle kick is an advanced and spectacular form of a volley, involving the player throwing their body into the air and striking the ball over their head.

The Psychological and Tactical Elements

Beyond the physical execution, the volley also encompasses psychological and tactical elements. Players attempting a volley must possess the confidence and decisiveness to take a shot in a split second. In terms of tactics, a well-timed volley can be a weapon against defensive setups that are difficult to penetrate with ground passes or dribbling.

Training for the Perfect Volley

Mastering the volley requires diligent practice. Drills often involve players striking balls from the air at different heights and speeds. Coaches encourage repetition to refine the technique and improve muscle memory.

Here are some of the best tutorials you can find, to help you master the technique of volleying:

Plyometric exercises are also used to enhance jumping ability and core strength.

The Role in Modern Soccer

In modern soccer, the volley remains a highly respected skill. While tactical evolutions have emphasized possession and intricate ground play, the ability to volley is still a prized asset for players.

Conclusion

The volley is an integral part of soccer, a skill that adds excitement, unpredictability, and flair to the game. Aspiring players work tirelessly to add this skill to their repertoire, knowing that with it comes the potential to score stunning goals and leave an indelible mark on the game.

Scoring a volley is indeed a work of beauty and an art form which will light up the eyes of every true soccer fan.

Personally my favorite volley is Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick in the Manchester derby which was executed to perfection. Let us know in the comments below what you favorites are!