In tennis, the main difference between a volley and a half volley is that you hit the ball in the air on a volley and after the bounce for a half volley. If you play singles, it is possible to play without this shot, but it might limit your offensive potential and give your opponent the edge. The volley is a crucial shot in doubles because the game is based on serve and volley tactics and strategies. Although there is only one type of half volley, there are some lesser-known volley types.
Basic Volley
The volley typically is hit when you are near the net and many times is a point-ending shot. To hit this shot with success, use a continental grip, keep you racket head above the level of your wrist, take an abbreviated back swing and block or punch the ball. Concentrate on moving quickly to the ball before it drops below the level of the net. This allows you to hit down on the ball and makes it more difficult for your opponent to return it. If you allow the ball to drop below the level of the net, you have to hit under the ball to get it to go up and over the net. This is a weak shot and gives your opponent the opportunity to hit the ball back for a winner.
Half Volley
This is one of the most difficult defensive shots to hit in tennis. The name is somewhat of a misnomer because it is not a volley at all, but is a ball quickly hit after the it bounces and is on the rise. The half volley generally is used out of necessity when you find yourself caught between the baseline and mid-court and your opponent has hit the ball down at your feet. With little time to react and prepare, take half the swing of a ground stroke and concentrate on hitting the ball deep into your opponent's court.
Drop Volley
The drop volley is a soft, "touch" shot and when executed correctly crosses the net and drops straight down close to the net with backspin. This type of volley is a good shot to use when playing opponents who like to play deep in the court or have trouble moving forward. To hit this shot with success, you must loosen your grip at impact and allow your racket to absorb the speed of the incoming ball. To put backspin on the ball, use a continental grip and hit the ball with a downward cut on the back side.
Swinging Volley
Sometimes referred to as a drive volley, the type of aggressive volley is becoming more popular and used at all levels of play. Renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri says that you should think of this shot as a groundstroke hit in the air from mid-court. He recommends using the semi-western grip, taking a full swing, accelerating at contact and finishing with a full follow through. To reduce you errors when hitting the swinging volley, keep your wrist firm and think of your racket as an extension of your arm.
References
- "Nick Bollettieri Class Tennis Handbook; Nick Bollettieri; 1999
- Human Kinetics; The 911 Shot of Tennis; the Half Volley; Jim Brown
- "Tennis: A Professional Guide"; U.S. Professional Tennis Association; 1984
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