In Bandy, a volley shot occurs when a player strikes the ball while it is still in the air. Instead of waiting for the ball to land on the ice, the player swings their stick and makes contact mid-flight.
How a Player Performs It
To execute a successful volley, a player follows these steps:
- Tracking: The player keeps their eyes locked on the ball as it arcs through the air from a long pass or a deflection.
- Timing: They time their swing perfectly so the blade of the stick meets the ball at the highest or most effective point.
- The Strike: The player uses a short, sharp swinging motion to drive the ball toward the goal or a teammate.
Key Rules
Bandy has a specific rule regarding the height of the stick during a volley:
- Stick Height: A player must keep their stick below shoulder level when striking the ball. If the player raises their stick too high to hit an aerial ball, the referee blows the whistle and awards a free stroke to the opposing team.
- No High Kicking: While players can use their skates to stop a ball on the ice, they cannot kick a ball that is in the air. They must use the stick for a volley.
Why It Is Effective
- Speed: A volley shot is much faster than stopping the ball, settling it on the ice, and then shooting. It catches the goalkeeper off guard.
- Difficulty: It requires incredible hand-eye coordination. Because the ball in Bandy is small and hard, hitting it cleanly in mid-air is one of the most difficult skills in the sport.
- Unpredictability: Volleys often happen after a chaotic bounce or a high “lob” pass. This makes it very hard for defenders to predict where the shot will go.
When to Use It
Strikers often use the volley shot during “corner hits.” If a teammate sends a high ball into the penalty area, an attacking player will attempt a volley to smash the ball into the net before the defense can react.