In the world of tennis, the volley is often one of the most misinterpreted shots. Many players, particularly at the competitive level, find themselves adhering to outdated techniques that do little to capitalize on the shot's potential.
Surprisingly, numerous adult players have been intentionally taught methods that hinder their performance. The common advice to "not swing, step across, and punch the ball" might seem simple, but it starkly contrasts with the techniques employed by elite players at the net.
Analyzing pro volleys in slow motion reveals two critical aspects. First, the racket is positioned above the contact point, engaging in a downward motion through the ball; a U-shape is typical for the forehand, while the backhand follows a straighter, more gentle J-shape. Second, rather than stopping abruptly at contact, the racket continues its forward motion, extending beyond the point of impact.
This downward trajectory serves a specific purpose: it imparts backspin to the ball, ensuring it stays low upon bouncing and clears the net comfortably. Furthermore, this high-to-low approach facilitates the player's ability to absorb pace. When a rapidly approaching ball meets a relaxed racket face, the racket actually pushes backward slightly before moving toward the intended target. This nuanced interaction allows for better touch, precise placement, and control, even when responding to fast-paced shots.
By contrast, many club players typically adopt a square racket face and initiate their volleys with an upward or flat trajectory. This technique lacks the necessary absorption, turning the volley into a mere punch—a conflict of solid objects with no room for finesse or control. As a result, amateur volleys frequently end up long or in the net due to a complete absence of margin for error.
One notable transformation I witnessed involved a student who struggled with her volley technique. Initially, she approached her forehand volleys almost like mini groundstrokes, using a square face and striking with an upward motion. Her backhand was no different; she started low and struck upward, maintaining a flat racket face. Though she had a naturally soft hand, her technique resulted in unpredictable precision.
Our first order of business focused not on swing mechanics but on grip. Her tendency to switch grips between her forehand and backhand volleys prevented her from achieving consistent closure on each side. While this method seemed intuitive, it posed two significant challenges. First, altering the grip completely negated the ability to achieve backspin. More critically, volleys occur rapidly, offering little time to change grips mid-play, leading to unfortunate guesswork.
Thus, we settled on a consistent continental grip to be used for both forehand and backhand volleys. It didn’t need to be flawless but should remain uniform. Our training unfolded in distinct phases.
First, we started with shadow swings—emphasizing the high-to-low motion with her new grip as she held the racket outward to visualize the contact point and develop the habit of a continuous racket flow. Next, we incorporated soft, underhand-tossed balls, allowing her to experience the downward path at a manageable speed without the pressure of pace, concentrating purely on pattern.
Finally, we introduced a ball machine operating at full speed, where everything fell into place. She began to consistently bring the racket from above the ball down through contact, achieving the desired open face and introducing backspin. Instead of freezing upon contact, her racket flowed through the shot, generating that smooth feel synonymous with effective volleys. This technique naturally positioned her racket for the next shot.
This entire adjustment—graphical changes, path modifications, and the introduction of backspin—was accomplished in roughly thirty to forty minutes. If she could revamp her volley technique that rapidly, I believe anyone can achieve similar results.
For those looking to enhance their volleys, start by ensuring you have a consistent grip. Then, emulate this practice progression: shadow swings focusing on your high-to-low approach, soft tosses to ingrain the technique, and finally real balls when the motion feels second nature. Confidence at the net stems from having margin and touch, gained through backspin rather than brute force.
Your Coach,
-Ian