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The Volley: compact and controlled at the net

The Volley is the shot at the net before the bounce. Short backswing, firm block, and aim where your opponent cannot build pressure.

Shots at the netBeginner

By Yves Richel ·

You play the Volley at the net, before the ball bounces. It decides most points, because the pair at the net controls the game. What matters is control, not power: a safe Volley to the feet or the middle gets you more than a risky winner.

How to play the Volley

  1. 1From the ready position at the net, turn your shoulders slightly towards the ball.
  2. 2Barely take the racket back: it stays in front of your body, and the movement is a short block forward.
  3. 3Hit the ball in front of your body and keep your wrist firm.
  4. 4Step towards the ball and go straight back into the ready position.

Where to play

The safest target is the middle between the two opponents, or low to the feet of the player at the back. From there they cannot build pressure.

A hard Volley into the opponents’ back wall often comes back. Play low and deep instead, so the ball barely bounces up after the wall.

AB
A calm Volley into the middle, low to the opponents’ feet.Your pairOpponentsBallMovementBounce

Common mistakes

  • Taking a big backswing like on a groundstroke: the ball comes too fast and you make contact too late.
  • Bending your wrist: the direction gets uncontrolled.
  • Hitting every Volley hard: you give your opponent pace and they counter.

Drill: Volley chains at the net

  1. Two of you face each other at the net, each 3 metres back from it.
  2. Volley the ball to each other without letting it bounce.
  3. Count the exchanges. Goal: 20 volleys in a row without anyone hitting hard.

Frequently asked questions

How far from the net should I stand?

About 2 to 3 metres. Closer and every Lob goes over you; further back and the balls arrive too low.

Forehand or backhand in the middle?

Agree on it. Usually the player who can play the ball in the middle with the forehand takes it.

Still have a question about technique? Pal, our AI assistant at the bottom right, answers from these pages.