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All Volleys Are Not Equal

by Jack W. Broudy

Most players are taught to "punch" volley from the time they are a beginner until they are an "A" player. What does that mean--punch? Is it the same punch for the forehand as for the backhand? Does the volley actually look like you're punching someone? That would indicate that you bring your elbow from a bent (and tight) position to a straight one. I don't see too many pros that have that abrupt (or ugly) of a stroke. Plus, I notice most club players that try to use the punch" volley, hit the ball back into the center of the court--constantly.

First, you should know that there are several types of volleys. Forehand and backhand volleys are really hit very differently from one another. The "approach" volleys (see photo left) that you hit in transition from the backcourt to net (also known as the "first" or "midcourt" volley), are produced very differently from the put-away volleys that are hit much closer to the net and standing still. High and low volleys are different still. "Punch" or "block" are too trite of words to describe all of the different techniques used at net. Try some volleys that work.

Let's start with the waist to shoulder-high backhand volley that is hit once you've made it to net. Line up with the back of your right shoulder to the net (and the approaching ball)--arm comfortably straight. Hold the head of the racquet steady with your left hand on the throat. Step towards the net with your right foot, further "closing" your body (sideways to the net.) Then, let go with the left hand, and from the shoulder, bring the back of your arm forward, towards the ball (and net), locking your hitting arm straight. Your left hand should go up in the air or behind you, keeping your side to the net. Do not push your left hand towards the net, or you'll "open up" driving the ball wide or into the net--or mis-hitting off the top of your racquet.

Balls that are hit close to your body are handled the same way; however, your arm cannot be straight, and therefore you use your elbow the way you used your shoulder--keep your elbow tight to your body and bang the back of your arm to the net using your elbow only.

Try to stop at the contact point and not bring your arm across your body. It's unnecessary and it can facilitate mis-hitting. Your racquet face (and the back of your hitting hand) should face the court, as much as possible throughout the stroke. Should you have trouble "locking" the racquet head in place, try squeezing (with a firm wrist) your racquet grip on contact. Also very often it helps to think about bringing the racquet head slightly around the ball, catching a piece of the "outside" of the ball. That usually helps to firm up the wrist, thus producing a more solid volley. In any case, stop relying on "punching" your volleys to become a better volleyer. There's almost no validity to that method.

Play well.

Send email to the author

We encourage you to email your comments (pro, con, appreciative, whatever) directly to the author. To send email to Jack Broudy, click here. Jack Broudy, author of "The Real Spin on Tennis," is a teaching pro at The Bobby Riggs Tennis Club. For information on Lessons, Clinics, Summer Tennis Camps and The Bobby Riggs Tennis Academy call (760) 753-4705.

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