The Tennis Volley For Beginners

The what? It is just like it sounds. You are "volleying" the ball out of the air, just like in volleyball. But the tennis volley is not a day at the beach (pun definitely intended).

Think Like a Boxer

Wait a minute. Aren't we talking about tennis? Yes, but the tennis volley is an animal all its own and, in this case, we need to take a slightly different approach. When you think of boxers what is the first thing that come to mind? Good stance, elbows in close to the body (you don't want to get hit), short jabs. You can use all these things in a good volley.

Footwork, Footwork, Footwork

Getting your feet set and in a ready position is the first thing to remember when preparing for the volley. Set a good base with your feet and you are half way home. A good split step will get you in position to make a quality shot.

Elbows In Tight

OK, you have your feet set and you are ready to make the shot. The next step is to make sure your arms and elbows are in tight. Keeping your arms and elbow in will help you control the ball more effectively and, most of all, keep the ball in the court.

Jab, Jab, Jab

One of the biggest mistakes that newer (and older) players make when hitting a volley is swinging too hard and too fast. We have all felt the need to rip the cover off the ball as it comes right at us. DO NOT DO THIS. The most effective way to hit a volley is a short jab, keeping the arm bent and in tight. Oh yeah, don't forget to step TOWARD the ball with the split step.

Stay Calm, It's Just a Volley

You're at the net, your feet are set, your arms are in tight, and you're ready to jab. But here comes your opponent's ball screaming at you at 100 miles an hour. Now what do you do? STAY CALM. You are ready, just react. Step toward the oncoming missile and jab that little yellow devil across into the open court. Your opponent has already done all the hard work by hitting the ball as hard as he can, just follow your steps and jab, jab, jab.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like everything you will do in tennis, the volley will get easier the more you practice. Have your coach or playing partner hit balls at your forehand and backhand while you are at the net. The more you practice, the slower the 100 mile an hour ball will seem and YOU will win the point.

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