Footwork in Volleyball: Can You Really Kick the Ball?

Did you ever hear the one about how it’s illegal to turn on the interior light of a car while driving?

Yeah, I fell for that one too, just like I believed that old volleyball myth: “You absolutely cannot, under any circumstances, kick the ball in volleyball“. It was almost like an unwritten law, passed down from seasoned players to wide-eyed newbies.

But here’s the twist: just like finding out that car light thing is a total myth (seriously, it’s not illegal), it turns out you can use your feet in volleyball. Who knew, right?

So, let’s bust this myth once and for all and dive into the real question: “Can you kick the ball in volleyball?“.

The straightforward answer is ‘Yes‘.

In volleyball, you’re allowed to use any part of your body to hit the ball, including your feet. Whether it’s with an arm, leg, foot, or head, as long as the ball is contacted only once, it’s all fair play.

According to the FIVB Rules, kicking the volleyball is indeed allowed

The rule, as stated in the FIVB-Volleyball Rules 2017-2020, is:
” 9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT
9.2.1 The ball may touch any part of the body.”

However, this wasn’t always the case. Before 1993, players were not allowed to contact the ball with any body part below the waist, similar to soccer’s ‘handball’ rule. The introduction of this rule aimed to allow players more freedom to make spectacular defensive plays, thereby enhancing the game’s excitement for both spectators and players.

Interestingly, the libero position was introduced for similar reasons. For an in-depth understanding of the libero role in volleyball, I recommend reading the Ultimate Guide to The Libero Position, a comprehensive resource on this crucial position.

But just because it’s allowed, does that mean you should kick the ball whenever possible?

Certainly not.

Volleyball requires exceptional control. Achieving such precision, particularly in advanced service reception, is a formidable challenge, especially when relying solely on footwork.

Here are a few common scenarios:

1. Defense

Sometimes, kicking the ball with your foot might be the only way to save it in defense, either accidentally or as a last resort.

2. At the Net

After blocking, if the ball is falling low at your feet, flicking it up with your foot can be a quick and effective response.

3. The Chase

In situations where diving isn’t feasible, extending a leg to hit a ball can be the best option.

However, controlling the volleyball is generally easier with your hands than with your feet. Lionel Messi might be an exception, but for most volleyball players, using hands offers better control, especially for setters who need to place the ball precisely.

Why do coaches dislike it?

Apart from instilling potentially bad habits, there’s a practical reason:

” Volleyballs aren’t designed for kicking and could be damaged, leading to unnecessary expenses. “

Regular kicking could lead to wear and tear, and nobody wants to keep buying new volleyballs. However, the occasional foot save in a match probably won’t send the ball to volleyball heaven.

Is it beneficial to practice kicking the ball as a skill?

While there are situations where it’s useful, it’s not a primary skill to focus on. It’s more of a reactive skill that you’ll naturally get better at with more volleyball experience.

A bonus tip for those who’ve read this far:

While not a necessary drill, kicking the volleyball can be an excellent warm-up exercise. It offers a mental break and helps stimulate the motor cortex, which is crucial for movement and body control.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, you can kick the volleyball, but the context and reason for doing so are more important than the mere legality of the action.

Consider your team’s end goal and whether kicking the ball is the best course of action. Will it give your team an advantage or save the rally?