General
half-volley
What does half-volley mean?
A shot or pass struck at the exact moment the ball touches the ground, or just after, generating clean power.
"He caught it on the half-volley and it rocketed into the top corner."
Origin
Cross-sport term (also cricket/tennis) for hitting the ball right off the bounce.
Frequently asked questions
What is a half-volley in football?
It is a shot or pass struck at the exact moment the ball bounces off the ground, or just after, producing clean, powerful contact.
What is the difference between a volley and a half-volley?
A volley strikes the ball in mid-air before it bounces, while a half-volley connects right as the ball comes off the turf.
Why are half-volleys hard to hit?
The timing must be perfect, since striking a fraction early or late means catching the ball at the wrong height and skewing the shot.
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