As a volleyball coach, you’ve probably wondered whether you should correct an attacker who uses a goofy step. This article explores that very topic.
Let’s start by clarifying what a goofy step is, assuming a right-handed attacker. (For left-handed attackers, the opposite applies.)
The basic steps for an attack are: approach → jump → hit the ball in the air.
In a standard (normal) approach, the footwork is [right foot → left foot]. In a goofy step, this is reversed to [left foot → right foot].
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Goofy Step
What are the pros and cons of using a goofy step? Let’s take a closer look.
Advantage
- The attack course can be harder to read
This is similar to a right-handed blocker or defender having a hard time reading the attack of a left-handed hitter.
I’ve tried to think of other advantages, but I haven’t been able to identify any other clear benefits.
Disadvantages
- Difficulty using torso rotation and lateral flexion.
The core disadvantage of a goofy step is that it restricts the use of torso rotation and lateral flexion, which leads to several other problems as below.- Reduced attack power.
The restricted torso movement reduces the energy that can be generated, lowering the power of the attack. - Higher risk of back and shoulder injuries.
To compensate for the lack of torso rotation, a player might over-extend their back, putting excessive strain on their lower back, or put more stress on their shoulder. Repeatedly performing this motion can lead to chronic injuries like lumbar spondylolysis. - Narrower range of attack angles.
Without smooth torso rotation, the range of attack angles becomes limited. Forcing a wider angle to compensate can lead to chronic injuries. - Difficulty maintaining balance in the air.
In a standard approach, a right-handed hitter uses their left foot for the final step of the approach. As they jump, they swing their left arm forward to meet the ball, creating a single axis that naturally stabilizes their body in the air. A goofy step doesn’t allow for this left-foot/left-arm coordination, making it difficult to maintain balance and hit powerfully.
- Reduced attack power.
Are There Any Top-Level Players with a Goofy Step?
Given these pros and cons, a standard approach seems more rational. But have there ever been any top-level players who used a goofy step?
While not common, a few have existed. One notable example is Yelena Pavlova from the Soviet Union. She was 186cm tall, a national team player.
I found a description of her attack that caught my attention:
“Her unique spiking form, which starts with a reverse step and ends with a two-footed jump, produces a spike so powerful you can feel it from the sound of the ball. She often hits right through the block.” – Wikipedia(in Japanese)
This description makes it clear that her attacks were incredibly powerful despite her goofy step. However, one part of the text really stood out to me: “and ends with a two-footed jump.”
The main disadvantage of a goofy step is the limited use of torso rotation. But if her final step involved a simultaneous two-footed takeoff, the initial reverse footwork would become irrelevant. In this case, she would have been able to use torso rotation almost as effectively as a player with a standard approach.
Though I couldn’t find a video of her attacks, my hypothesis is that she may have instinctively felt the main disadvantage of the goofy step and evolved her technique from a pure “goofy step” to a “simultaneous two-footed jump.”
We should also consider that her physique was different from a typical Japanese player’s. To my knowledge, there are no, or at least very few, Japanese players who have competed at the world’s top level with a goofy step.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Correct a Player
Now, let’s return to the main question: as a coach, should you correct an attacker who uses a goofy step?
The answer can’t be a simple yes or no. You must consider the player’s situation and characteristics. Here are some factors to consider before making a decision.
- The player’s level
Is the player an elementary school beginner, a high school intermediate, or a professional? You must consider their age and years of experience. - The player’s injury history
Be mindful of any past injuries and their current physical condition. If a player has used a goofy step for a long time, you need to pay close attention to any history of injury or current pain that could be a warning sign. - The player’s physique and power
Can the player generate enough power to be effective even with a goofy step? Top foreign players who use this technique might be able to succeed due to their superior strength and physique. You must carefully assess the player’s physical attributes. - Does the player want to be corrected?
This might be the most crucial point. The coach must first explain the pros and cons of a goofy step to the player. Then, you should ask if they want to be corrected. Forcing a change on a player who doesn’t want it will not lead to a good outcome.
Final Thoughts
Should you correct an attacker with a goofy step?
The answer is both yes and no. As a coach, your role is to understand the player’s situation and characteristics, respect their final decision, and then decide whether to correct them.
When faced with such a difficult decision, a coach must prioritize the player’s long-term well-being. This requires constantly learning, striving to understand the player, and respecting their will above all.
This, in essence, is player-centered coaching.
