Theories of the Game
Good
Ready Position. Note that the tip of the racket is even with the top of the head, and
the elbows are relaxed and slightly bent. The feet are a little wider than shoulder width
and the knees are flexed. Player uses continental grip.
Turn Position. The preparation has been completed by a step to the right with the right foot, and the rotation of the shoulders. The palm of the hand and the hitting arm have rotated slightly backward, opening the racket face. Note key checkpoints: Shoulders are about 45 degrees to the net, elbow is relaxed and tucked in toward the waist, wrist is laid back. The plane of the racket is almost even with the edge of the front left shoulder, with the face of the racket open about 30 to 45 degrees to the court.
Contact Position. The player has stepped forward into the line of the shot with the left, front foot. The palm of the hand and the right shoulder have pushed the open racket face forward to the contact point. The hitting arm position is unchanged--elbow in, wrist back. The racket head will now impart natural underspin or slice. The contact is well in front of the body.
Finish Position: The finish on the underspin forehand volley is compact, virtually identical to the flat volley, except for the angle of the racket face. The palm of the hand and the shoulder have continued to push the racket so that it travels slightly past the contact point, with the butt of the racket just past the edge of the left front leg. The racket face is still open, with the hitting arm position unchanged, elbow still bent and wrist laid back. Watch in the animation how the angle of the racket face, driven by the shoulders and the palm of the hand creates a forehand volley with underspin and also good "stick." The result: controlled power and winning placements.
Return to Yandell's Underspin Forehand Volley Lesson
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