My Favorite Volley Pointers

One of the most fundamental axioms in tennis is that the closer to the net you get, the more offensive a shot you can hit. When you are in the backcourt hitting groundstrokes, you are defense. A groundstroke must be lifted over the net from further away and without much angle. The odds of hitting a winner are slim. A volley is hit from much closer to the net, and often downward with more angle. Hitting a volley winner is much more likely.

Unfortunately, most club players are much more comfortable playing from the baseline rather than the net. You have more time to react and chase down wide balls from the baseline, and of course, groundstrokes are practiced much more. Volleys require quicker reactions and are practiced much less.

Yet, by following these four simple rules you can greatly improve your volleying and add more offense to you game.

1. Split Step- Bounce into the ready position with your elbow out and racquet head up just before you opponent hits every shot. You will be better balanced and have more control of your racquet. Do the split step no matter where you are on the court. It is better to have balance in the wrong place than to be off balance in the right place.
2. Early Preparation- React with a slight shoulder turn the moment the ball leaves your opponent’s racquet. Try to line up the racquet head with the oncoming ball, but keep it out in front of your eyes. Little backswing is required. Move your feet or bend your knees so the racquet can stay tilted up at a 45 angle.
3. Straight Line Contact- Rush out in a straight line to hit the ball. Remember that you aim with your hand so keep it on target the whole time. Try to step forward with you opposite foot and push with your shoulder as you contact the ball. This will give you plenty of power and allow you to keep your wrist firm for control.
4. Short Follow Through- Your follow through should only be about a foot long and your hand should stay on target. If you slap down on the ball it will probably go into the net. The longer the follow through, the less control you will have.

Remember that ball placement is the key to effective tennis. You don’t have to hit the ball as hard as you can to hit a winner. When you are at the net, pick a target and hit it there firmly. Make sure you watch the ball contact the racquet, don’t look at the target. Be ready to hit another shot. Split step again and recenter you racquet.

By putting in more practice time at the net and following these simple ideas, you can greatly improve the offensive part of your game. Try to be patient from the backcourt and work the ball around until you are in a winning volley position. Only when you have a high volley (or overhead) should you go for the winner. That’s percentage tennis!