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TennisOne Lessons
DECISIONThe decision of which way to play a shot must come as soon as the ball is struck by your opponent. At that moment, you poise instinctively to observe where to go and what to do next. This moment is generally referred to as a split step. I call it a time rather than an act. It certainly does occur. But it is a natural movement that anyone does before changing direction. Thus, I encourage you not to make a mental effort to split step but just a moment of recognition and decision-making to determine where to go next. The faster you can go through the split step without falling down is optimal. Nevertheless, it is the first step to playing a volley.PREPARATIONTo prepare for a volley, hold the racquet firmly and make your racquet and your forearm perpendicular to each other. The racquet face should be essentially parallel to the net. You will find this is more comfortable as well as being in better position for the majority of volleys you will encounter.Once you determine the line of approach of the ball coming at your body, begin to turn your shoulder and hips so that your racquet shoulder leads into the shot. Your trailing leg should begin to turn behind you. Your racquet head will go backward but this is deceiving because, as you turn your body, the racquet naturally follows. Your wrist should remain fixed throughout the shot as if you are planning to hit a slice backhand groundstroke.   Go To: Next Page Previous Page Tennis Lessons Library |
