The volley in football: technique, mistakes and drills

In football, a volley is a shot in which the ball is struck straight out of the air before it touches the ground. Volleys and first-time finishes are among the most difficult techniques in football: timing, body position and point of contact all have to be right in a split second. On this page you'll learn what makes a volley, how the technique works, which mistakes are common and which drills help you improve your volleys.

Volley, half-volley and first-time finish: the differences

Volley: the ball is struck out of the air without touching the ground first.
Half-volley: the ball is struck at the moment it bounces up off the ground.
First-time finish: the umbrella term for any ball that is passed or shot without being controlled first - along the ground, as a half-volley or as a volley.
Scissor kick and bicycle kick: acrobatic variations of the volley in which the ball is struck while falling.

Why is the volley so special?

Technical brilliance: the right timing, correct body position and precise ball contact are essential for a perfect volley.
Unpredictability: a sudden volley can surprise defenders and goalkeepers because they have almost no time to react.
Spectacular goals: volley goals are often among the most memorable moments of a match or even a whole season.
Practice and patience: mastering the volley takes many repetitions. Besides technique, game understanding and the ability to spot chances also count.

How to hit a volley: technique step by step

Watch the ball: keep your eyes on the ball until the moment of contact and don't look at the goal too early.
Position: your standing leg is planted firmly next to the point of contact, knee slightly bent. Depending on the flight of the ball, you face it head-on or side-on.
Upper body over the ball: lean your upper body slightly forward. Leaning back usually sends the ball over the bar.
Point of contact: strike the ball with your laces in the middle or slightly above. Your toes are pointed and your ankle locked.
Swing from the hip: use a short, controlled backswing. Accuracy matters more than maximum power.
Follow through: your kicking leg follows through towards the target so the ball keeps its direction.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The ball flies too high: usually your upper body is too far back. Get your weight over the ball.
The ball isn't struck cleanly: your timing is off. Repeat the movement with the ball in the same position every time until it becomes automatic.
Too much power: a tense, hard shot often misses. Shoot with control first, then increase the power.
Loose ankle: an unstable ankle makes the shot inaccurate. Keep it locked on contact.
Looking at the goal too early: if you take your eyes off the ball, you rarely strike it cleanly.

Drills for better volleys

Against a wall: play the ball against a wall and return the rebound first time as a half-volley or volley.
Partner feeds: a teammate tosses the ball to you from close range and you strike it first time.
Crosses in team training: close to a real match, but every cross is different and many attempts end without a shot.
Technique station with VOLLEYCHAMP®: the ball sits securely at a height of 10, 20 or 30 cm. You repeat the movement under the same conditions, with no one needed to pass to you, and every attempt ends with a shot. Coaches can correct straight away.

Player striking the ball on the VOLLEYCHAMP® volley trainer

Tips for coaches

Make volleys a regular station in technique training.
Work in short sets with breaks: quality over quantity.
Film the finishes on a phone so players can see their own body position.
Increase the difficulty step by step: a different ball height, the weaker foot, target zones in the goal.

Frequently asked questions about the volley

What is a volley in football?

A volley is a shot or pass in which the ball is struck straight out of the air before it touches the ground.

What is the difference between a volley and a first-time finish?

A first-time finish is the umbrella term for any ball that is played without being controlled first. A volley is a first-time finish struck out of the air.

How do I keep a volley low?

Get your upper body over the ball, strike it with your laces in the middle or slightly above, and keep your toes pointed.

Can I practise volleys on my own?

Yes. Against a wall or with a training device such as VOLLEYCHAMP®, which holds the ball at a constant height, you can practise volleys without anyone to pass to you.