libterm.com The side volley is a powerful tennis shot executed by striking the ball to the side while keeping your body parallel to the net, often used to surprise opponents during fast-paced rallies. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to control the ball and place precise shots, giving you a strategic edge on the court. Discover how perfecting your side volley can transform your game in the rest of this article.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Side Volley | Scissor Kick |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Striking the ball while standing, body sideways to the target. | Aerial kick with legs scissoring mid-air to hit the ball behind. |
| Body Position | Feet on ground, torso rotated. | Fully airborne, horizontal body. |
| Use | Powerful ground-level shots or passes. | Volley shot for goals, especially with opponents behind. |
| Difficulty | Moderate; requires timing and balance. | High; requires agility and mid-air coordination. |
| Common in | Football (soccer) matches and training drills. | Football (soccer) offensive plays, highlight goals. |
| Famous players | Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. | Pele, Thierry Henry. |
Introduction to Aerial Soccer Techniques
Side volley and scissor kick are dynamic aerial soccer techniques that enhance offensive play by allowing players to strike the ball in mid-air with power and precision. The side volley involves a player hitting the ball with the instep or side of the foot while airborne, offering control and directional accuracy. In contrast, the scissor kick features a more acrobatic motion where the player performs a backflip-like leg movement to strike the ball, maximizing reach and generating significant shooting power.
What is a Side Volley?
A side volley is a soccer technique where the player kicks the ball while it is mid-air at waist or chest height, using a sideways motion to generate power and accuracy. Unlike the scissor kick, which involves a backward somersault motion resembling a pair of scissors, the side volley focuses on striking the ball with a strong, horizontal swing of the leg. Mastery of the side volley improves scoring opportunities by enabling quick, precise shots during fast-paced gameplay.
What is a Scissor Kick?
A scissor kick is an acrobatic soccer technique where the player leaps and strikes the ball mid-air using a rapid, scissor-like motion of the legs, typically with one leg shooting the ball while the other balances the body. This move requires precise timing and agility, often used to volley or clear the ball with power and accuracy. Unlike a side volley, which involves striking the ball with the side of the foot while it is in the air but closer to the ground, the scissor kick emphasizes a high, dynamic jump and a distinctive leg crossing motion.
Key Differences Between Side Volley and Scissor Kick
The key differences between a side volley and a scissor kick lie in body positioning and execution technique; a side volley is struck with the kicking leg extended sideways while the supporting leg remains grounded, focusing on striking the ball mid-air with a flat foot. In contrast, a scissor kick involves both legs in motion, where the non-kicking leg swings over the body to balance while the kicking leg strikes the ball, often performed as an acrobatic maneuver with the player momentarily airborne. The side volley emphasizes precision and power with lateral leg movement, whereas the scissor kick prioritizes agility and dramatic aerial control to generate unpredictable ball trajectories.
Technique Breakdown: Executing a Side Volley
Executing a side volley requires precise body positioning and timing, as the player must strike the ball mid-air with the foot extended sideways while maintaining balance. The technique involves a quick rotation of the hips, a locked knee, and a strong ankle flexion to generate power and accuracy. Proper foot contact with the ball's center ensures a clean strike, making the side volley effective for controlled long-range shots or crosses.
Technique Breakdown: Perfecting the Scissor Kick
Mastering the scissor kick requires precise body coordination, beginning with a strong jump followed by the rapid crossing of legs in mid-air to strike the ball with the foot furthest from the ground. Unlike the side volley, which involves a sideways leg swing while keeping one foot grounded, the scissor kick demands aerial control and timing to connect with the ball at the optimal height and angle. Key technical elements include core strength for balance, explosive leg power for lift, and keen spatial awareness to execute the kick seamlessly and generate maximum power and accuracy.
Best Situations to Use a Side Volley
A side volley is most effective when the ball is at waist height and slightly ahead, allowing for a powerful, controlled strike with the side of the foot while maintaining balance and direction. This technique suits scenarios where quick reaction is needed, such as clearing crosses or taking shots from the edge of the penalty area. Using a side volley in these moments maximizes accuracy and power without the complexity or timing required by a scissor kick.
When to Opt for a Scissor Kick in a Game
Opt for a scissor kick when the ball is at chest height or slightly above, allowing maximum power and a striking angle that can surprise defenders and goalkeepers. This move is most effective during acrobatic attempts or when the player is slightly off-balance but wants to maintain momentum toward the goal. Side volleys are preferable for balls close to the ground, but the scissor kick provides greater reach and impact in mid-air scenarios.
Pros and Cons: Side Volley vs Scissor Kick
The side volley offers greater control and accuracy, making it ideal for quickly redirecting the ball during open play, but it typically generates less power compared to other kicks. The scissor kick, meanwhile, delivers explosive power and an impressive visual impact, often catching goalkeepers off guard, yet it is riskier due to its complex technique and timing demands. Both techniques require strong core coordination and timing, but the side volley is generally safer and more reliable, while the scissor kick excels in spectacular, high-impact goal-scoring situations.
Which Technique Suits Your Playing Style?
Side volley offers precision and control for players who rely on timing and placement, making it ideal for those with a strategic playing style focused on accuracy. Scissor kick, characterized by its acrobatic flair and power, suits aggressive players who prioritize dynamic shots and aerial dominance. Choosing between them depends on whether your technique leans toward calculated finesse or explosive athleticism on the field.
Side volley Infographic
