Intro to Volley’s
Volleys
Some logical facts must be considered when you develop your volley technique. They are-
When hitting volleys you are at the net, the court has become shorter.
Therefore the ball gets to you sooner.
The ball is traveling faster when it gets to you because it has not bounced and lost some speed.
These facts demand that your technique is short and compact (unlike the flowing groundstrokes). Because the ball is traveling toward you with a lot of force it is imperative that your racquet moves forward against the ball with more force than the oncoming ball, if not, then the ball will hit your racquet, rather than the racquet hitting the ball.
Creating this forward racquet motion is the most important fundamental in volley technique.
It is a mistake to think that the racquet stops on contact. This will cause you to decelerate the racquet before contact and this is wrong.
In order to get the racquet forward you must have it come from ‘back’, so how do you get the racquet moving forward against the ball when you have no time (or need) for a back swing. Well you don’t try to get the whole racquet back; you simply get the racquet head back a little and leave the handle forward. Then using the elbow as your fulcrum you bring the racquet head forward to where the handle already is, and that is the shot completed. It is short and compact and you will feel like you are taking charge of the shot.
Volleys continued
When you take this more aggressive approach to your volley technique, you may experience a loss of control initially, this control will soon return as your timing and judgment improve. These two skills will allow your technique to become even more compact and therefore more in control.
Aggressive forward racquet motion can result in use of the wrist. This will result in a loss of control over the shot. Maintaining control of the volley requires wrist control. Finishing the shot’ parallel to the net on the finish will prove both wrist and shot control.
There are two main types of Volley.
Low volleys
High volleys
chat gpt.
Volleys:
Logical Considerations:
When a player moves forward to play from the net, the court becomes shorter, and the ball gets to the player sooner, traveling even faster as it hasn’t bounced.
Due to the faster pace and shorter distance, volley technique should be short and compact compared to groundstrokes. Despite the compact motion the volley must produce enough forward force to offset the force of the oncoming ball and send it back. In order to do this, the racquet head, must be moving forward.
Key Technique: Forward Racquet Motion:
The most crucial fundamental in volley technique is creating forward racquet motion against the oncoming ball.
The misconception of stopping the racquet on contact should be avoided; instead, emphasis should be on continuous forward motion through the shot.
Compact Backswing:
With limited time for the back motion, the focus should be on getting the racquet head back slightly while leaving the handle forward.
Using the elbow as a fulcrum, bring the racquet head forward to the handle’s position for a short and compact shot, finishing ‘parallel to the net’.
Taking Charge:
This approach to volley technique gives a sense of taking charge of the shot, despite the limited backswing.
Initial Loss of Control:
Adopting a more aggressive approach might lead to an initial loss of control.
Improved timing and judgment will gradually bring back control, allowing for even more compact and controlled technique.
Avoiding Excessive Wrist Use:
Aggressive forward racquet motion may tempt the use of the wrist, but it can lead to a loss of control.
Maintaining control requires wrist control, and finishing the shot parallel to the net ensures both wrist and shot control.
Two Main Types of Volley:
Low Volleys:
Executed when the ball is low, requiring the player to get below the ball and bounce it upwards.
Getting below the ball before it drops too low requires the player to get their racquet hand as low to the ground as possible.
High Volleys:
Used when the ball is higher and offers the player the chance to hit aggressively.
The racquet is help well in front of the body, preventing overhit. The racquet head drives to the ball by snapping the elbow forward. The shoulder supports this and protects the elbow from injury. The wrist is firm and controls the racquet face but it does not drive the racquet.
Continual Improvement:
Practice and experience will contribute to improved timing, judgment, and overall volley control.
Consistency in maintaining a compact and aggressive technique will enhance your ability to dominate at the net.
Coach note: Learning to use the elbow as the fulcrum can be taught with ‘big’ technique, on the understanding that the volley becomes smaller as the player improves.
Mastering volley technique is crucial for players who seek to be effective and assertive at the net, turning opportunities into wins.
Low Volley:
A low volley is a shot often executed as you approach the net. Unlike higher volleys, where aggressive racquet speed can be applied, the low volley requires careful consideration of pace and trajectory since topspin is not typically employed. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- Controlled Pace:
- Unlike higher volleys, avoid hitting the low volley with aggression. You must play the ball upwards and only gravity is bringing it down, so the player must not over-hit the shot. You can use the depth of your low volley to cause your opponent difficulty.
- Bounce Firmly Off the Racquet:
- Allow the ball to bounce firmly off your racquet as you move toward the net. This controlled rebound helps maintain accuracy and control over the shot. The racquet must be moving through the bounce, or the ball will hit the racquet, rather than the racquet hitting the ball.
- Contact Point:
- Contact the ball well out in front of your body, this helps to ensure the racquet is moving forward during the contact. It also helps to prevent the player from over hitting the shot. Getting below the oncoming ball, before contact is the challenge. The solid feel of a well hit low volley comes from that trampoline contact of the racquet moving up to the falling ball.
- Continued Movement:
- As you execute the low volley, ensure your movement toward the net is smooth and continuous. The low volley is often part of a strategic approach to the net, and continued forward movement will prepare the player for a more aggressive high volley.
By applying these principles to your low volley technique, you can maintain accuracy, control, and strategic positioning as you transition from the baseline to the net. The careful balance of pace and trajectory ensures that your low volley facilitates the strategy of finishing the point with a high volley.
High Volley:
The high volley is a crucial shot that you will use to win the point, typically when you are in a favorable position. Although you approach this shot with the intention and attitude that it could be the last shot of the point, it’s essential to balance aggression with control. Here are key points to consider for executing a high volley:
- Controlled Aggression:
- Approach the high volley with an aggressive mindset, as it’s a point-winning shot. However, avoid being overly aggressive to maintain control and prevent unnecessary errors. “parallel to the net’ finish position helps to train that.
- Firm Wrist:
- Keep your wrist firm to maintain control over both the racquet and the ball. A firm wrist provides stability and helps execute the shot with precision.
- Generate Force from the Elbow:
- Generate the forward force in the shot by moving the racquet forward against the ball with the elbow. This controlled motion allows for both power and accuracy. On the forehand this causes the player to invert the racquet on the ‘back’ part of the volley. Inverting the arm allows the player to hit horizontally rather than vertically.
- Forehand Position:
- Position your racquet on the forehand side as if you are holding a tray of drinks. Your hand should be in front of you, and the racquet head is laid back. This setup prepares the racquet for a quick forward snap from the elbow.
- Racquet Coming from ‘Back’:
- To generate forward motion in the racquet, it must come from a slightly laid-back position (‘back’). This ensures that you are not simply blocking the ball but actively moving the racquet forward against it.
- Shorter Technique:
- The high volley technique should be short and compact. The violence of the shot comes from the snaping of the elbow. This compact yet forceful motion is effective under pressure and maintains control. Remember, as the volley improves, it becomes more compact. The player learns to create the forward violence in a short space and time.
- Performing Under Pressure:
- Recognize that, after working hard during the point to get into a favorable position, the high volley is an opportunity to capitalize. Execute the shot with the confidence that comes from controlled aggression and a well-practiced technique.
By incorporating these principles into your high volley technique, you can enhance your ability to win points effectively and confidently when presented with an opportunity at the net.
Coach Note: If you get your student in the position where they will contact the volley, (ie. feet and body in the right place), You can stand beside the student and while they are holding the racquet you also grip their racquet, toss the ball near their racket face and hit it for them, using the volley technique. This teaching technique is only really possible with the volley, (and serve).