While younger players may have more success controlling the ball from the ground, they’re not always that lucky. Knowing how to volley — or hit the ball in the air with your foot — can come in very handy.

When you have to think fast and the ball is arriving below waist level, a successful volley starts with getting your kicking leg behind the path of the ball. 

As it arrives, you want the knee of your kicking foot over the ball, with the toes pointed down. Then it’s a short, sharp strike just above the center of the ball. No need to overswing, the ball’s own speed generates power.