Issue #1 - Strokes & Strategy - Teach Me a Forehand Volley | Written by Howard Moore

 

HOWARD MOORE, USPTA PRO 1
Program Director, Saddlebrook Resort
Wesley Chapel, Florida

 

Take an offensive posture and control the point.

 

The volley is an attacking shot and crucial in women's recreational tennis. Along with the serve and return of serve, the
forehand volley is one of the most essential strokes, particularly in doubles. The biggest mistake that many recreational players make is not spending enough time working on the volley, and then developing an aversion to playing at the net.
When the opponent lacks hitting pace on their balls that's a perfect invitation tomove up and finish the point while the ball floats in the air. It's the knock-out blow to alert your opponents that any easy ball will be pounced.Without a good volley, you'll find yourself floundering around the net. To improve this stroke and give purpose to your net play, let's look at the appropriate steps of the forehand volley.

 

The most formidable grip used to execute the forehand volley is the Continental grip. The wrong grip will limit the player in being able to hit a competent ball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
 

Extend both arms out from the stomach wall with the elbows being approximately 5 inches from the stomach. The dominant hand (in most cases the right hand) is held in an L shape position with the wrist slightly elevated so that the racquet head is just under chin level. The racquet head should never fall below your wrist level.

 
     
 

As the net player anticipates a volley, split step first, then pivot at the hip. The right arm moves out with the racquet head still elevated, with eyes looking at the back of the strings and looking for a foreword contact position. The non-dominant hand should also reflect the same motion as the dominant hand by being placed in front of the body but moving in the same direction as the dominant hand, allowing for a small turn in the left shoulder. Never should both arms cross each other.

 
     
 

At the point of contact the racquet head moves forward because of the motion of the right arm moving to contact the ball in front of the body. The racquet head will move forward approximately 18 inches to allow for a solid punch to occur. The Left leg should move forward in conjunction with the right hand that is volleying the ball so the player has adequate forward momentum going forward to meet the ball.

 
Don't stand too close to the net when practicing the forehand volley. Stand near the service line area because that's realistically where many recreational players hit their volleys. I also suggest utilizing a back board or wall to improve the volley. Try to hit without allowing the ball to bounce on the ground. MOST COMMON ERROR I Taking a long swing at the ball. A volley should be more of a punch.