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Forehand Volley
Grip:
- Continental / Hammer (for an explanation of Grips, click here)
Preparation:
- Move your feet as you wait for the ball and add a split step as you see the ball coming.
- Keep your knees bent, upper body slightly tilted forward.
- Elbows out in front of the body, racquet is supported by the neck with the non-dominant hand (left); right hand in Continental grip (loose).
- Racquet head is elevated at about chest high; there is approximately a 90 degree angle between the dominant forearm and the racquet.
- As soon as you see the ball approaching, the upper body turns about 45 degrees, the foot closer to the ball (right for right handers) steps out behind the path of the ball and the weight is transferred onto it.
- The racquet is taken to the side above the path of incoming ball still keeping the 90 degree angle with the forearm. Lay back the dominant wrist to open the racquet slightly.
Important: The volley has a much abbreviated backswing and follow through. Imagine you have a wall right behind you and at volley preparation you shouldn't hit it when the racquet goes back!
- Left arm extends in front of the chest for balance (imagine you are trying to catch the ball with the non-dominant hand).
Contact:
- The left foot steps into the ball and weight is transferred forward onto it.
- Left hand moves away making room for the racquet which travels in a high to low pattern through the ball and decelerates right after contact. Keep the racquet face open through the contact to create the under spin.
- Keep the body in balance and a low stance by bending at the knees. Upper body remains straight and upright.
- Head remains still and eyes "glued" to the ball.
Follow-through and Recovery:
- For volleys, the follow through is very abbreviated, in fact the racquet should try to "freeze" right after contact with the ball.
- Finish with the racquet face toward the target and try to keep the 90 degrees with the dominant forearm all the way through contact and follow through.
- After the contact, the front foot (left) pushes off and back so that the recovery is quick.
When do we use the Volley?
- Every time you come up to the net and try to take the ball in the air and the time to swing at the ball is limited.
- As a doubles or a serve and volley player you have to have solid volleys.
- When your opponent brings you up to the net with a drop shot; get ready to volley!
Click here to learn how to master the Forehand Volley!
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