Net Skills

Volley

When players are positioned at the net, they use volleys to hit the ball before it bounces. A player who can reach the net position during a point has a tremendous advantage. The net player has many more court angles to hit into, and the baseline opponent is forced to hit a difficult passing shot.

Players must use the ready position and crossover step as they block the ball on both the forehand and backhand volleys. The eastern forehand and backhand grips may be used for volleys, but little or no backswing is required for the stroke. Advanced players use a continental grip for both forehand and backhand volleys.

Use the following progression to teach the volley:

1. Ready Position – Stand midway between a forehand and a backhand, with the feet pointing to the net and comfortably apart. Hold the racket comfortably in front at chin level, with the dominant hand on the grip and the nondominant hand either at the throat of the racket or also on the grip.
2. Backswing – Rotate the shoulders to the forehand or backhand side while pivoting the feet so that the body weight is centered over the back foot, then make a short backswing. Keep the face of the racket head above the hand.
3. Contact Point – Transfer the body weight onto the front foot and move the racket forward to block the ball at a point even with the front of the lead leg.
4. Follow-Through – Punch the racket through the contact area a short distance toward the target.

Error Detection and Correction for the Volley

Error

• 1. Making contact behind the body on the forehand
  2. Jabbing the volley on the backhand
  3. Using the same racket face on both the forehand and backhand sides in a “windshield wiper” fashion.

Correction

• 1. Cross the free arm over the hitting wrist.
  2a. Keep the elbow fairly straight and make certain the thumb is wrapped around the grip.
  2b. Cradle the racket with the free hand.
  3. Place a piece of tape on the edge of the racket and make certain the tape always faces up.