Three-Step Approach Drill
Attacking
Legend
- player
- cones
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Establish consistent three-step approach footwork and timing for a right-side or left-side attack.
What you need
- volleyball
- net
- cones
Your focus
Approach footwork converts a player's run into vertical jumping power. The three-step approach (right-left-right for right-handers) is the foundation used throughout a player's career. Drilling the footwork without a ball first ensures the pattern becomes automatic before adding the complexity of ball contact.
Coach marks a cone where the player starts the approach (about 10 feet off the net, at a 45-degree angle).
Player walks through three-step footwork at slow speed: right-left-right (for right-handers), with the last two steps being a quick penultimate brake step.
On the third step, player jumps with a two-foot takeoff and reaches arm up at the peak.
Coach tosses a high ball; player contacts at peak reach with a full arm swing.
Repeat 10 times, gradually increasing approach speed. Complete 3 sets.
Goal
It's clicking when you feel your last two steps accelerate into the jump, the approach should speed up, not stay the same pace.
Helpful cues
- Big penultimate step to brake momentum
- Swing both arms back on the jump, then drive them up
- Contact the ball in front of your hitting shoulder
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Practice footwork only (no ball) until pattern is automatic.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Set transitions from a passed ball, approach timing must adjust to the set.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.