Volleys
Although “Serve and Volley” players that attack at the net immediately after the serve are few and far in between these days, volleys are a very important shot to finish off a point and to put pressure on the opponent. The last effective “Serve and Volley” players, Patrick Rafter and Stefan Edberg, were among the most graceful yet powerful movers at the net. Due to racquet technology and physical fitness, players are hitting groundstrokes so powerfully and moving so fast that it is very difficult for “Serve and Volley” players to get to the net quickly, unless their Serve or Approach Shot is impeccable.
The Volley shot is executed before the tennis ball bounces on the court. Although Volleys can be hit anywhere on the court, they are usually hit moving forward towards the net. Volleys are similar to the Slice in setup and execution. The main difference between these two is that the backswing and follow through are shorter for Volleys. Like the Slice stroke, the Volley requires a high to low movement to generate under spin, making the ball bounce as low to the ground as possible.The lower the bounce, the more difficult it is for the opponent to execute an aggressive shot, resulting in an easy put away Volley. Also, the harder the opponent hits the ball, the less backswing and follow through is needed for the Volley. The main attribute of the Volley is that it allows you to use the power of your opponent to gracefully control a shot back.
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Grip
Continental Grip (Refer to the Grips Page)
Forehand Volley
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Picture 1 The Medium Height Volley is executed above the net, up to the shoulders; The front shoulder rotation is critical in creating the “Lock” position; Short backswing with the racquet face pointing towards the ball.
Picture 2 The back foot (the right foot) moves forward, crossing over the front foot (left foot) so that the power is generated from the forward body movement instead of from just the arm. Till this day students are taught to step in and punch with their arm! This is incorrect, resulting in a stiff Volley that bounces short on the court. This also allows the opponent to move forward and attack the net player. The modern way to volley is to move forward with your body, imagining your racquet as a sponge, absorbing the power of your opponent’s shot to execute a deep penetrating shot.
Picture 3 Shoulder slightly uncoils (“Roll”).
Picture 4 The racquet makes contact with the ball before the front foot lands on the ground.
Picture 5 Short follow-through! Once the player makes contact with the ball, the racquet stops shortly after. The racquet face finishes by facing towards the target.
Sideview
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Low Forehand Volley
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The movement is the same as above except, knees are more bent, the backswing, contact and follow through are lower. Also since the ball is executed below the net, the racquet angle is more open and the ball is hit underneath to lift over the net. Notice the arm and the racquet in Picture 3, which makes an “L” shape, locking the wrist so that the racquet is stable through the shot.
High Forehand Volley
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The backswing is further back to generate more momentum with the arm through the shot (Picture 4). Because the contact point is high above the shoulder, the shot can be hit with a downward angle to execute quite an aggressive shot. Also, notice the aggressive forward body movement which adds power to the shot.
Backhand Volley
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Picture 1 Shoulder turn (“Lock” position) with the weight on the back foot but leaning forward; Racquet face open with the right wrist cocked back and left hand holding the throat of the racquet.
Picture 2 Stepping forward to hit the ball.
Picture 3 Just before contact, the left hand lets go of the racquet moving in the opposite direction from the right hand; The Volley is hit just before the front foot lands on the ground.
Picture 4 Front foot lands and the back foot is off the ground; The arms are straight creating a line for balance.
Sideview
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Picture 6 The back leg moves behind the front leg to create balance while moving forward.
Picture 8 Racquet is in front while moving forward to prepare for the next shot.
Low Backhand Volley
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The body movement is the same as the Low Forehand Volley. Knees are bent, the backswing, contact and follow-through are low. Also since the ball is hit below the net, the racquet angle is more open and the ball is hit underneath to lift over the net. Notice the arm and the racquet in Picture 3, which makes an “L” shape locking the wrist so that the racquet is stable through the shot.
High Backhand Volley
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The backswing like the High Forehand Volley, is further back to generate more momentum with the arm through the shot (Picture 3). Because the contact point is high above the shoulder, the shot can be hit with a downward angle to execute quite an aggressive shot. Also, notice the aggressive forward body movement which adds power to the shot.
Half Volleys
The Half Volleys are almost identical to the Low Volleys in terms of racquet position and body movement. The only difference is that the Half Volleys are hit just after the bounce and with less or no under spin. Very little racquet movement is recommended since hitting the ball just after the bounce can be difficult to time. Keeping the racquet open and facing the ball with a short block is critical to execute a half volley well. Also the movement towards the ball helps generate power since the swing is very short.
Forehand Half Volley
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Key Point: Notice the “Lock” position of the shoulder turn and at the pelvic joint in picture 3. The uncoiling (“Roll”) begins in picture 4-5.
Backhand Half Volley
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Key Point: Notice the “Lock” position of the shoulder turn and at the pelvic joint in picture 3. The uncoiling (“Roll”) begins in picture 4-5.
Your videos are excelent,thanks for sharing
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lockandrolltennis Reply:
September 7th, 2011 at 12:25 am
My pleasure! Thanks for looking.
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this site is awesome! all the way from South Africa. keep up the good work
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Simply the best. Many thanks!
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Your videos are the piece I’ve been missing. My form has been slowly getting better this past year but I was missing power. After seeing your videos and understanding the lock and load concept, I’m crushing the ball now. You’re an excellent teacher . Keep up the good work!
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I noticed your link for the “Grips” tutorial is not working…..
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Thank you so much for these videos. They are helping me teach and improving my strokes as well!
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I have been playing tennis for the last 35 years, on and off and have taken lessons, read books and viewed video on many sites but I must say your website is by far the most helpful and informative. Your explanations are concise and very clear. Great work.
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