step is done by the starting foot to restore balance and so the player can jump off of both feet, transferring the momentum from the previous step into vertical movement. Often a heel strike is incorporated in the last two steps to brake and prevent net violations. Both hands are swung forward to add momentum and to get into position for the spike form. Landing The significant amount of volleyball landings subject the lower limb joints of players to high forces, which may cause acute or overuse injuries. A review found 54 acute injuries, 30% of which were to the knee, 17% to the ankle, and 17% to the fingers in 178 professional beach volleyball players during a 7.5 week period. A proper two-footed landing is important as one-footed landings result in one leg absorbing more force, increasing risk of injury. Timing A crucial part of the attack, and perhaps the hardest, is the timing. Often new players will struggle with knowing when they should begin their approach towards the ball. Timings of the attack are often referred to as tempos. There are three main tempos: first, second, and third. First tempo is when the attacker takes all their steps for the approach before the ball is set. This is easier for the attacker, but harder for the setter as they must do a quick set to get the ball to the attacker. A common example of an attack using first tempo is the quick middle attack where the middle blocker finishes their approach and jumps at the same time that the setter contacts the ball. This attack is risky but puts a lot of pressure on the opposing middle blocker to stay in the middle to stop the attack instead of going to either side. Second tempo is when some of the steps are taken prior to the setter’s contact with the ball, and the rest are taken after. This set is less risky than first but still gives the opposing blockers less time to react to the set. Third tempo attacks are when the attacker takes all their steps after the setter has contacted the ball. Third tempo sets usually occur when the team isn’t in proper positions to attack, and more time is needed. References External links Stein Metzger Volleyball Spiking Videos Eric Fonoimoana Volleyball Spiking Videos Spiking