Theories of the Game

The Visual Tennis Alternative,

Part Eight:
The Hitting Arm Position: Forehand Volley

By John Yandell

Go to Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 of the Visual Tennis Series on TennisONE

Part Eight: Forehand Volley

(Click here to see animation of forehand volley)

In this series, we are examining the role of the hitting arm position in stroke production. The mountains of tennis analysis, tips and advice rarely, if ever, discuss the position of the hitting arm and the hand during the course of a stroke pattern. But this position is critical to good technique since it determines how the racket head actually contacts the ball.

Previously, we have looked at the hitting arm position in the classical groundstroke patterns. But this key element of correct hitting arm position is equally important in hitting the volleys. In this and upcoming articles, we will teach you how to establish classical hitting arm positions at the net, beginning with the forehand volley.

In the Visual Tennis system, the volleys, like the groundstrokes, these simple hitting arm positions are set at the completion of the turn or preparation. They then remain unchanged throughout the course of the stroke pattern. Besides their simplicity, these positions are highly efficient, leading to consistency and natural power at the net.

In this article we begin by examining the hitting arm position in the classical forehand volley. The progression shown here demonstrates how to hit a basic flat volley. A subsequent article will show how to alter the hitting arm position slightly to create natural underspin or slice.

Like the forehand groundstroke, the forehand volley hitting arm position can be described as a "double bend position," with the elbow tucked in toward the waist and the wrist laid back. This position allows the player to execute the forehand volley with a unitary pushing motion: a rotation of the shoulder, hitting arm, and hand forward to the ball. If the preparation is correct, this position is achieved automatically through a unit turn with the feet and the shoulders. There is no need for independent motion with either the arm or the racket.

This position remains unchanged at the contact through the finish. The palm of the hand pushes the racket head through the motion. The elbow stays bent and the wrist stays laid back. As on the groundstrokes the player who masters these key positions will naturally and automatically add a small eliptical loop to change the direction of the racket. But there is no need to key this or incorporate it into the core elements of the model.

Below the forehand volley and the corresponding hitting arm position are broken down into 4 key positions with specific checkpoints. The key images teach you how to achieve this double bend hitting arm position for yourself, how to set it up at the completion of the preparation, and maintain it over the course of the swing.

For each position, establish the checkpoints physically. Now close your eyes and create an internal mental image of how the position looks inside your mind's eye and especially how it feels. Execute the entire swing pattern with your eyes closed. Let your internal imagery and feeling for the checkpoints guide the motion. If possible practice in front of a mirror and compare the motion to the checkpoints until you can execute it naturally and automatically. Now the image and feeling of the hitting arm can function as keys to executing the stroke on the court. Start in a controlled drill situation with an easy feed from a partner, teaching pro or, if possible, a ball machine, and work up to more difficult balls. The images give you a way to execute the stroke and stay positive under pressure.

The process of visualizing a key image can occur in the flash of a second--the time we actually have to hit a tennis ball. Experiment with the images for the turn and the contact. As your opponent begins his foreswing, visualize the image of the key and let the motion of your body follow the image. Using these images will give you an extremely reliable way to produce this classic hitting arm position for the forehand volley even under competiive pressure.

Ready Position: A good balanced ready position is critical to preparation at the net. 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.

Turn Position: This is the double bend hitting arm position at the completion of the preparation or turn. The preparation has been completed by a step to the right with the right foot, and the rotation of the shoulders. Note the key checkpoints: The shoulders are about 45 degrees to the net. The elbow is relaxed and tucked in toward the side. The wrist is laid back, and the plane of the racket is even with the edge of the front left shoulder. There has been no independent arm motion.

Contact Position: The player has stepped forward into the line of the shot with the left foot. The palm of the hand and the right shoulder have then pushed the racket forward to the contact point with the hitting arm position unchanged--elbow in and wrist back. Note the contact well in front of the body--the laid back wrist is the key. High speed video shows this position is the same for any bio-mechanically sound forehand volley. Compared to the forehand groundstroke, the contact point is about a foot further in front.

Finish Position: The forehand volley finish is extremely compact. 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. Note the unchanged position of the hitting arm with the elbow still bent and the wrist laid back. Watch in the animation how the body rotates into position and through the stroke maintaining this simple, powerful arm position.

See animation of forehand volley

At the completion of the stroke the wrist reaches eye level and remains laid back. The plane of the racket is now perpendicular with the right shoulder and the shaft of the racket is straight up and down. Note, also the unchanged elbow bend. The left forearm is about 45 degrees to the court. The left upper arm is parallel to the court. Replicating these three positions using your internal mental images just might give you the same kind of depth, power and confidence of the top players who follow this model so beautifully!

- End of Part Eight -

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