The point of this video, narrated by Coach Ken Murczek, is that a shorter hitting approach is often better than a longer approach for middle hitters.
“I would encourage no more than three steps,” Murczek says.
In fact, as one player demonstrates in this video, two steps can be extremely efficient and effective because it helps middles close to the ball quickly – slow to fast – and stay far enough off the net to get a full armswing.
For training purposes, Murczek has players start by catching a tossed ball, then progress to hitting a quick set. In his gym, he puts a piece of tape on the floor near the net to help hitters learn how to not get too close to the net for an attack.
For a look at how the approach angle can create a better connection between the setter and the middle, check out Murczek’s drill to improve the attack approach.