Split Step Alternative - Player

For another round of Technical Tuesday, I want to explore a concept that I started to hear about 10 years or so ago—though some high-level athletes seem to do it naturally—the split step.

I was first introduced to the split step by Coach Henry from his experience in tennis. The move involves a slight hop or compression in the feet that helps athletes react and move more quickly in any direction. Essentially, it's preparation for movement—but the timing is crucial. If you compress at the wrong moment, you’ll actually be slower than if you hadn’t done anything at all. When I see young players trying to focus on this technique too early, it honestly makes me cringe. Why? Because the split step only becomes effective once players learn how to read and react quickly and correctly.

So What’s a Better Approach?

A different and, in my opinion, more effective approach was recently shared with me—and I’ve come to see it as a great solution. The key to agility and movement isn’t about precision timing with a hop. It’s about imbalance at the right time

In a past life, I was studying aerospace engineering with a focus on aircraft design. Interestingly, the same principle holds true: the most maneuverable aircraft are often the most inherently unstable. Because they’re always on the edge of falling out of the sky, they’re always ready to change direction at a moment’s notice.

Applying That to Volleyball

Instead of trying to time a hop or compression perfectly (and risking being early or late), try this: take a step.

As the server is about to contact the ball, take a small step in the direction you think the serve will go. Even if you're wrong, that step shifts your weight and puts you in a dynamic position to move in any direction. You're already in motion, and it’s far more forgiving—especially for younger athletes—than trying to time a split step. A mistimed split step can leave you flat-footed, or worse, jumping awkwardly when you should be reacting.

Fundamentals Over Tricks

Every skill must be practiced—and practiced again. I know it’s tempting for athletes to look for tricks or shortcuts to get better faster. But the truth is, there is no trick. There are only fundamentals and good repetition.

Focus on smart movement, stay slightly imbalanced and ready to go, and let your reading and reaction guide your athleticism. That’s the path to long-term improvement.