Master the Perfect Volleyball Approach – Jump Higher & Hit Harder

• By Sam DeJoseph

The Three-Step Approach: 

The three-step approach is perfect for any volleyball player to increase their hitting ability. It not only allows players to jump higher but also hit harder,  more accurately, and consistently. It is the framework for any good hitter's skillset! 

First Step: 

Purpose: This step generates forward momentum and sets up your approach direction. 

Execution: 

• To start, make sure you’re in a good athletic stance, your knees should be slightly bent, and your weight is on the balls of your feet, ready to move forward.

• Take a strong, controlled step forward with your dominant foot (right foot for right-handed hitters, left for lefties); this step should allow you to get going in the direction of the ball. 

• Ensure that your eyes stay locked on the ball and your arms are relaxed out in front of your body to prepare for the next explosive movement in the second step. 

Key Tip: This step is not based on speed. The main goal is to gather yourself and prepare for the following two steps, which will need to be very explosive!

Second Step: 

Purpose: This step is where you will gain speed and power to explode into the jump. 

Execution: 

• Your non-dominant foot (left foot for right-handers, right foot for lefties)  moves forward and slightly out. This should be a big, loaded step with your knees staying bent. 

• Increase the speed and momentum of your step, leaning slightly forward to prepare for your takeoff. 

• Swing your arms back; this will help you load energy for a powerful arm swing into the jump. Your arms swinging back and up is one of the most important parts of any approach! 

Key Tip: This step should feel explosive and dynamic—like you're building up for an unstoppable launch! 

Third Step: 

Purpose: This is the final step; it should be a strong step that shifts your momentum forward, but also upward. 

Execution: 

• Anchor your final step in front of yourself  

• Bend your knees and push through the ground with maximum force. • Swing your arms forcefully, helping with lift-off. 

• Keep your core tight, eyes on the ball, and prepare to attack with full power!

Key Tip: Think of yourself as a rocket—you’ve built the speed; now explode upward with everything you've got! 

The Jump: 

The jump is the culmination of your approach, using all the momentum you have built up, swing your arms up, and use your explosive approach to jump to your maximum height! 

If you want to learn more about how to master your approach and use it to up your game to new heights, click the link above and learn from Coach Santiago  Restrepo! 

By following these tips, we guarantee that it will make you a much more explosive jumper, but they will also allow you to hit the ball much harder.