Approach Step Drill

Purpose

The approach step drill gives players a chance to focus solely on footwork, eliminating the potential distraction of hitting a live ball and allowing them to build a firm foundation.

Setup

• Four players will line up on the attack line, facing the net.
• You don’t need any balls for this drill.

How it Works

1. Players will start at the attack line.
2. On the coach’s command, players will go through their approach step, then jump and pretend to spike a ball over the net.
3. Players will return to the attack line and repeat.

Coaching Tips

• Show the players what it looks like before the drill begins, so that they have a visual model.
• The focus should be on slow steps at the beginning into a quick explosion at the end.
• Remind players to take a break step before planting and taking off, so they don’t have too much forward momentum.
• Keep an eye on their landing spots – anything past the center line is no good.
• Gives you a great chance to walk around and evaluate players all the way through their approach step.