The volley

The volley
The volley is any shot played, except the serve and smash, that is played without the ball bouncing first. We usually refer to volleys as those shots played close to the net, but they can be played from anywhere on the court. The volley is a short, sharp motion. There is very little back-swing and a short follow through. Australians used to be very good with this shot as they were serve-volley players. They played with a continental grip, because that is the grip they used for serving and they could play the forehand and backhand volley all with this grip.

The forehand volley

This shot is played with your racquet hand. So, if you are right-handed, it is played on the right of your body. To be ready for a volley, lean forward, bend your knees and hold your racquet head upright.

When playing the shot you should turn your shoulders sideways and step towards the net with your non-racquet foot. That makes it easier to make the shot while the ball is in front of your body. Move your weight onto your front leg as you hit the ball with a sharp punch action without following through too much.

The backhand volley

This shot is played on your non-racquet side, holding the racquet with a backhand grip. backhand volley
The shot is played like the forehand volley except that you move your other shoulder forward towards the net.


The half volley

This shot is one played immediately after the ball has hit the ground and is usually played further back from the net or after a returner has placed the ball right near your feet. You shouldn't have to play this shot often. It's often played in a hurry because the opponent has got you out of position.

You must bend your knees low to this one and keep your wrist and back very strong. Your front knee will often be on the ground as you play it. You play this shot with a full follow through, unlike the usual volley. The racquet should be perpendicular to the ground as you play the shot.

Stefan Edberg was one of the world's best volleyers. Pat Cash was also very good as was McEnroe and Pete Sampras. Pat Rafter was one of the last great volleyers in my opinion. All of them admired the Australian style of play.

The drop volley

This shot is played in order to deliberately bring your opponent to the net or to win the point outright. It is usually played when the opponent is way back at the baseline. It is used a lot on clay courts because players tend to be baseliners.

This is a difficult shot as it requires excellent timing. You often see top players attempt this shot and fail to get the ball over the net. The ball must go over the net obviously, but only just. The ball should be hit with under spin or back spin so the ball bounces back towards the net. Keep the racquet above the wrist for this shot.