Used offensively, the volley can play a crucial role in scoring straight goals. Because of the power and spin imparted on the ball, the shot can follow an unpredictable path to goal and prove difficult to defend against. Doing so imparts a great deal of topspin and prevents the ball from flying wildly over the goal if done correctly. It is important for most applications to keep the knee high over the ball when struck, and lean slightly forward to keep the shot downward.
In general, the volley requires that the player strike the ball with the front of his foot, with the toes pointing downward, ankle locked, and the knee lifted. The half volley is a similar concept, but occurs when the ball has just bounced from the ground rather than in the air.
A volley can be extremely hard to aim and requires good foot-eye coordination and timing. Motherwell player Brian McLean (in amber) volleys the ball in a match against St Mirren.Ī volley is an air-borne strike in association football, where a player's foot meets and directs the ball in an angled direction before it has time to reach the ground. Air-borne strike in association football Chelsea former player and top scorer Frank Lampard preparing to execute a volley.
