Jun 1, 20215 min read

How to Improve Your Volleys

Updated: Jul 6, 2023

To be an efficient and effective tennis player, you must learn to develop a toolbox of shots and understand the best time to use them during a match.

An often overlooked and under practiced shot for weekend warriors is the volley. A volley is a shot in tennis where a player returns the ball before it bounces and is usually performed between the service line and the net.

Whether you are playing singles or doubles, improving your volleying skills is essential to making your gameplay exciting and dynamic. Volleys are usually aggressive because their main purpose is to interrupt the timing of the rally and catch your opponent off-guard. Many points are concluded with the volley, for better or for worse, so being competent in this stroke can take your game to the next level.

In this article we outline the different types of volleys, tips on improving your volley, as well as the steps to perform a basic volley.

6 Types of Volleys

There are a variety of volleys and “volley-like” shots that can be utilized and developed. The correct selection of volley depends on the context of your opponent’s shot; namely the pace, height, and positioning.

1. Punch Volley

The punch volley is the standard volley for net play. It requires no backswing, but is rather a punch forward and slightly down to generate backspin. They are most effective against medium-paced balls that have enough height over the net. The goal of a punch volley is to place the ball in a challenging spot close to or behind the service line with pace and backspin.

2. Drop Volley

A drop volley is a low volley that requires a light touch and often contains backspin. The goal of the drop volley is to softly place the ball on the other side of the net, ideally as close to it as possible. A successful execution of the drop volley generally leads to the ball bouncing twice before your opponent can reach it.

3. Block Volley

A block volley requires even less movement than a punch volley. It is simply executed by holding the racquet up to block the ball — there is no punch or swing necessary. This is generally applied against flat and powerful strokes above net height or when you are stretched out to reach the ball.

4. Lob Volley

Sometimes two players approach or find themselves at the net simultaneously, and it becomes difficult to execute a passing shot. Rather than get into an intense rally at the net, a lob volley can be utilized. This involves opening up the racquet face and arcing the ball above your opponent with the intention of it landing near the baseline.

5. Swing Volley

A swing volley breaks the rules of the standard volley technique. It is executed by using a full groundstroke swing to smack the incoming ball out of the air. Players typically perform a swing volley when caught in “no man’s land” – the space between the service line and baseline. The swing volley is an advanced technique and requires a perfect balance of pace, power, and swing to keep it in the court.

6. Half volley. A half volley is performed by hitting the ball off the ground immediately after it bounces on the ground, while the ball is rising. Timing is crucial and it also requires a combination of compact movement and quick footwork.

TIPS

DO

Get the grip right

Volleying works best with a Continental Grip, as it is most efficient for hitting both forehand and backhand volleys without changing your hand-positioning.

Prepare early

Shot preparation and reaction times are reduced when volleying compared to ground strokes. Prepare by assuming the ready position with your racquet at eye level and split step by jumping slightly and landing on the balls of your feet with your legs apart as your opponent strikes the ball to ensure that you are balanced.

Read your opponent

It helps to be aware of their favourite shots and “tell” signs that they use when swinging. Many players give away their direction by their foot position or their racquet preparation. Pay attention to any hints throughout the game. Additionally, take into account your opponent’s court position in shot selection and their “toolbox” of shots. Try to limit your opponent’s shot choices, instead of giving them 5-6 options, limit them to 2-3 options.

· Execute. Keep your head down and your eye on the ball! Bend your knees. Practice getting down to the low volleys by keeping your racquet head at eye level, your wrist engaged in position, and your back as straight as possible! Focus on placement and directional control rather than power.

DO NOT

Relax your wrist

Crowd the net

Positioning too close to the net will make you vulnerable to even a poorly executed lob. You should be midway between the net and the service line.

Approach the net after a weak shot

Focus on approaching after a strong shot from which it will be difficult for your opponent to return a passing shot.

HOW TO VOLLEY

Forehand Volley

1. Face the net with elbows up and out in a ready position. Have the non-hitting hand support the throat of the racquet.

2. Turn both hands to the side keeping your elbows out.

3. Contact the ball with a punching motion, with the non-hitting hand moving forward with elbows out – if possible, step forward into the stroke with the opposite foot.

4. Following contact, catch the racquet with the non-hitting hand.

5. Re-enter the ready position.

Backhand Volley – One Handed

1. Face the net with your elbows up and out in the ready position. Have the non-hitting hand support the throat of the racquet.

2. Turn both hands to the side keeping your elbows out.

3. Contact the ball with your arm extended and the non-hitting hand starting to move back – if possible, step forward into the stroke with the opposite foot.

4. Extend the racquet toward the target while the non-hitting hand continues to move toward the back for counter balance.

5. Re-enter the ready position.

Backhand Volley – Two Handed

1. Face the net with both hands on the racquet grip, elbows up and out in the ready position.

2. Turn and position the racquet so it will be in the way of the coming ball.

3. Contact the ball with both arms extended. (If possible, step forward into the stroke with the opposite foot.)

4. Extend the racquet toward the target.

Conclusion

The best way to learn how to volley is by practicing drills and learning from match play. It is important to remember, that even the pros miss volleys, so don’t let that detract from you attacking the net. Instead, reflect on why it didn’t work and learn to avoid repeating mistakes.

A natural progression from learning to volley is to learn to hit overheads. Check out our article “HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR OVERHEADS”.

Happy volleying!