The tennis volley is frequently misinterpreted, often leading avid players to develop poor habits without even recognizing it. Strangely enough, many adult competitive players have been coached into these incorrect techniques through misleading advice. The common mantra to avoid "swinging" and instead "step across and punch the ball" is not only overly simplistic but also diametrically opposed to what elite players effectively do at the net.
Observe professional volleys in slow motion, and two key aspects become apparent. Firstly, the racket begins above the point of contact before moving downward through the ball, adopting a U-shape for forehands and a more linear, gentle J-shape for backhands. Secondly, the racket maintains motion throughout the contact, never halting even after the ball has left its strings.
This downward trajectory performs a crucial function: it allows the player to impart backspin on the ball, which guarantees a lower bounce on the opponent's side while ensuring a safe margin for net clearance. Intriguingly, this high-to-low path grants the player the ability to absorb incoming pace. A closer look reveals that when a fast ball connects with an open racket held by a relaxed hand, the racket may slightly recoil backward before proceeding toward the desired target. This nuanced absorption is what enhances touch, placement, and control in volleys, even against powerful shots.
In contrast, many club players typically approach volleys with a square racket face and a flat or upward trajectory—resulting in ineffective punches that ricochet unpredictably. This lack of absorption means the energy from the ball has nowhere to dissipate, often leading to missed shots that either sail long or hit the net. Without adequate margin for error built into the volley, precision becomes nearly unattainable.
A recent transformation in one of my students epitomizes this challenge. Initially, she executed her forehand volleys with an upward swing that resembled a mini groundstroke. On the backhand side, she mirrored this approach, starting below the ball before rising flat and square into contact. Although she possessed some natural softness in her grip, the absence of backspin rendered her unable to angle the racket face correctly, causing her volleys to lack the necessary precision.
The game-changing adjustment began with her grip, which she had been inconsistently switching between forehand and backhand volleys. This inconsistency inadvertently caused her to improperly close the racket face, nullifying any potential for backspin. The hurried nature of volleys didn’t allow her the luxury of switching grips mid-point, hindering her ability to effectively respond to ball direction.
To facilitate a more effective approach, we established a consistent continental grip for both sides. It didn’t have to be textbook-perfect, but it had to be uniform to promote reliability.
Next, we focused on three phases of practice. The first phase involved shadow swings, emphasizing the high-to-low swing path while utilizing a racket as a visual stand-in to foster a sense of continuation through contact. The second phase introduced soft, underhand-tossed balls to help her appreciate the downward path and follow-through at a manageable speed, allowing her to solidify the motion without worrying about incoming pace.
Finally, we progressed to using a ball machine at full speed, which catalyzed a major breakthrough. Her racket began to move from above the ball and down through contact while naturally opening the racket face. As she enhanced her technique, backspin emerged, and instead of tensing up at the moment of contact, her racket maintained a fluid motion. This smooth delivery not only produced a more satisfying volley but also perfectly positioned her to resume a ready-state for subsequent shots.
The remarkable aspect of this transformation—grip adjustment, swing path modification, and the introduction of backspin—was achieved within thirty to forty minutes. If this student could effect such a quick change in her volley technique, there’s no reason you can’t do the same.
To initiate your own improvement, start by focusing on your grip for consistency. Follow up with the same progressive practice: perform shadow swings to emphasize the high-to-low path, then move to soft tosses to get comfortable with the mechanics, and finally engage in live ball drills once the pattern feels instinctive.
Confidence at the net stems from some margin for error, which can only be secured through backspin and soft touch—not by merely squaring up and trying to hit the ball as hard as possible.
Your Coach,
-Ian
