Tennis is a delightful game with many benefits, like engaging in a competition, enhancing physical fitness, boosting coordination skills, etc. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that tennis is also challenging to learn. It comes with many rules to memorize and skills like volley that are tricky to master. That’s why it seems a daunting task for many. 

If you want to improve your game of tennis, it’s essential to master your volley skills. And that is what we are going to learn in this post. 

What Is a Volley in Tennis?

A tennis volley is a very different and strategic shot where a player quickly returns the ball to their opponent before it hits the ground. Volleys are challenging to perform effectively because they are typically made near the net or around the service line. 

Unlike the powerful shots often seen in football/soccer, a volley in tennis isn’t about strength; it’s about the right timing. The main aim of a volley is to force the opponent to move swiftly across the court, ideally catching them off-guard and out of position in a bid to reach the ball on time.

Additionally, volleys are also helpful for buying time and disrupting the game’s rhythm during a rally.

Players generally use their dominant arm and hand when performing a forehand volley. In contrast, backhand volleys require the non-dominant arm and hand, making them notably more challenging. If you successfully execute a backhand volley, your opponent can be under pressure.

Regarding the grip, while personal preference can play a vital role, most players opt for a continental grip on their racquets. However, more skilled and experienced players may prefer an Eastern forehand grip for enhanced performance.

6 Types of Volleys

The variety of volleys you can execute depends on the speed, altitude, and location of the incoming ball. Explore the following list of different volley techniques to experiment with on the tennis court:

Punch Volley

Punch volley is the go-to volley for net play. To execute a punch volley, the player punches their racket forward and slightly downward, adding an underspin to the ball. This type of volley is ideal for dealing with medium-paced balls at a suitable height over the net, as it requires minimal backswing.

Drop Volley

The drop volley is all about a gentle touch. The aim is to lightly place the ball just over the net to maximize the distance the opponent must cover. A well-executed drop volley will make the ball bounce twice before the opponent can respond, similar to a drop shot but executed at the net.

Block Volley

Block volley involves minimal movement. The player positions their racket to block the ball back over the net without any swinging motion. It’s a straightforward defensive shot that can be effective in quick exchanges.

Lob Volley Technique

When both players simultaneously approach the net, executing a direct passing shot might be challenging. In such instances, opt for a lob volley. This technique involves angling the racket face upwards to send the ball soaring over your opponent’s head in a high arc, ensuring it goes beyond them but doesn’t exceed the baseline. This strategic move can help avoid a volley exchange and secure a point.

Swinging Volley Strategy

The swinging volley is different from traditional volley mechanics. It involves adopting a full groundstroke swing to hit the ball mid-air, effectively used when positioned in “no man’s land” – the area between the service line and baseline. This technique, suitable for advanced players, demands a precise mix of speed, strength, and swing timing to prevent the ball from going beyond the opponent’s baseline.

Half Volley Execution

Executing a half volley means striking the ball immediately after it bounces, a maneuver also known as hitting “on the rise.” A half volley is challenging because the timing is more complex than a regular volley. After all, you’re hitting the ball after it bounces, not before.

Although it’s not an actual volley, the half volley still requires concise movement and agile footwork.

How to Volley in 3 Steps

In executing a volley, a player must swiftly position their racket in front of their body, ready to intercept the ball without the luxury of a backswing or windup. Coming towards the net, however, exposes the player to potential passing shots or deep lobs, which can compromise their position by forcing a retreat to the baseline to reclaim the point. Precision timing is critical in volleying due to the proximity to the net. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform a tennis volley to help you master this essential skill

Select the Proper Grip

The Continental grip is ideal for volleying, allowing for efficient execution of both forehand and backhand shots without adjusting your grip. When you are at the net, time is of the essence, and the need to shift your grip could mean the difference between a winning shot and a miss.

Adopt the Correct Stance

Approaching the net requires the timely execution of the split step. A split step is a simple jump ending in a balanced landing with legs apart. This move not only stabilizes your stance following movement but also positions you optimally for the volley.

Master the Correct Motion

Execute the volley with a slightly open racket face, imparting a downward stroke to generate a backspin, ensuring the ball stays low on the opponent’s side. Guide your hand in the trajectory you intend for the ball, keeping your head down and your eyes focused on the ball for precision.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, the volley is hit close to the net, where reaction times are short. Technical movements should be fast, clean, and efficient.

Integrating effective volleys into your tennis play can markedly improve your performance. Executing both forehand and backhand volleys relies on accuracy, timing, and strategic deployment. With consistent practice and focus on the basics, volleying can become a powerful element of your arsenal, allowing you to outsmart opponents and control the game.