WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK OF VOLLEYBALL, THEY PICTURE POWERFUL SPIKES, QUICK SETS, AND DIVING DIGS.
How better movement leads to sharper passing, cleaner setting, and more powerful attacks
When most people think of volleyball, they picture powerful spikes, quick sets, and diving digs. But behind all of that action lies a skill that often goes unnoticed — yet determines how well everything else works: footwork.
Good footwork is the foundation of every technical skill in volleyball. It’s what allows athletes to get in the right position, stay balanced, and execute consistently under pressure. Without it, even the most talented players will struggle to perform at their best.
This blog breaks down why footwork matters so much in volleyball and how players can train it effectively — regardless of position or experience level.
1. Footwork Sets the Stage for Every Skill
Every great pass, attack, or block starts with one thing: getting your feet in the right place at the right time.
Why it matters:
- Passing: Being just a step off can turn a perfect pass into a shank. Good footwork helps players square up and control the ball.
- Setting: Setters need quick, controlled steps to get under the ball with balance and speed.
- Attacking: The entire approach relies on timed, explosive footwork. Poor timing means mistimed or weak hits.
- Blocking: Lateral and crossover footwork at the net is essential to close blocks effectively and avoid being late.
In all cases, the feet determine the body’s alignment — and that alignment controls the outcome.
2. Poor Footwork = Avoidable Errors
Many mistakes that seem like “bad technique” are actually just poor movement before contact.
Examples:
- Shanked passes caused by being off-balance
- Double contacts from rushed footwork on tight sets
- Missed timing on attacks due to inconsistent approach steps
- Blocks that miss the ball entirely because of slow lateral movement
Improving footwork doesn’t just clean up technique — it raises the ceiling on how consistently an athlete can execute under game pressure.
3. How to Train Footwork the Right Way
Footwork won’t improve by accident — it needs focused, game-like training. That means combining movement, reaction, and pressure in your drills.
Core Footwork Drills for Volleyball Players:
- Shadow movement drills: Practice moving to different court zones without a ball, focusing on staying low and controlled.
- Agility ladder patterns: Improve quickness, coordination, and foot speed.
- Read-and-react drills: Have players respond to a coach’s signal or tossed ball to build reaction time under pressure.
- Position-specific patterns: Practice libero shuffles, setter transitions, or hitter approach steps with real tempo.
Most importantly: Don’t separate footwork from skill work. Every rep in practice should start with intentional, game-like movement.
4. Footwork by Position: What to Prioritize
Each role in volleyball demands slightly different footwork habits. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Liberos & Defensive Specialists
- Prioritize lateral shuffle steps and drop steps
- Focus on staying low, balanced, and quick on direction changes
Setters
- Work on explosive first steps and quick pivots
- Train stop-start control to get set under pressure
Hitters (Outside, Middle, Opposite)
- Master the tempo and spacing of approach steps
- Train consistent takeoff timing and stable landings
Blockers
- Practice lateral step-cross movements along the net
- Focus on staying square and jumping from a balanced base
Footwork may look different depending on the role, but the principles — efficiency, control, and consistency — remain the same.
5. Footwork and Fatigue: The Hidden Link
Players often move well early in games, but once fatigue sets in, technique breaks down — and that includes footwork. Sloppy movement = poor positioning = errors.
That’s why footwork training also needs to include conditioning and repeatability. The goal isn’t just quick feet — it’s sustainable quick feet.
Conclusion
Footwork may not be flashy, but it’s the engine that drives everything in volleyball. If you’re serious about improving performance, start with your feet.
By training purposeful, game-like footwork, players gain more than speed — they gain control, confidence, and consistency across every skill they use.
Because in volleyball, it’s not just about how well you can hit — it’s about how well you can move.
Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here.