The volley is an often overlooked shot in tennis, particularly for beginners, but it is one of the easiest strokes to perform correctly, as it is perhaps the most simple. With the correct grip and a few basic fundamentals, all players should be able to execute volleys with technical proficiency.
Step 1
Ensure you are using the correct volley grip. The most widely accepted volley grip in tennis is the continental grip. This grip allows you to hit both your backhand and forehand volley with the same grip, allowing for quick transition between forehand and backhand volleys. To find a continental grip, place the racket with the head facing away from you and the frame perpendicular to the ground. Pretend you are shaking hands with the racket handle with your dominant hand. This grip is the continental grip.
Step 2
Step across your body to contact each volley. Your foot should hit the ground as your racket hits the ball. This will force your body to turn your shoulders each time, a critical component of a correctly executed volley. If you are right handed and hitting a forehand volley, this means you will step with your left foot. If you are right handed and hitting a backhand volley, you will step across with your right foot.
Step 3
Punch the ball with your racket. Do not use your wrist and do not swing at the ball. Rather, make sure the stroke is short and compact. Swinging or utilizing your wrist during a volley will lead to inconsistency. To ensure you are not swinging, watch the racket head and the racket handle during your volley. If the racket head is moving faster than the racket handle, you are swinging. Make sure the two parts of the racket move together at the same speed.
Step 4
Return to ready position after each volley. Make sure you square your shoulders, torso, racket and legs to the net. Return your racket to a neutral position along the midline of your body. This will enable you to react as quickly as possible to the location of the next volley.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure you are contacting forehand and backhand volley with the same grip, but opposite sides of the string bed.
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