By: Elliot Pegg
The volley can be one of the easiest shots in tennis but is also very easy to make one of the most challenging! As tennis in Britain is primarily played on the faster surface of grass, (both real and synthetic) the volley is one of the first shots taught to youth and beginners. As a result of this, players and coaches from Britain typically have strong volleys, are comfortable playing at the net and have effective attacking games.
To ensure that your volley is simple and effective, here are a few key instructional points. When you are preparing for your volley, firstly make sure that you are in a continental or “chopper” grip, this is crucial to ensure that you can volley on your forehand or backhand side with the same grip. This also allows you to effectively volley the ball from different heights, and apply backspin and power to the ball!
As your opponent hits the ball, make sure you split step, so you are ready, on your toes and able to move forwards towards the ball. When volleying the ball make sure your hands are up and in front of you, step towards the ball, with a minimal backswing and make contact in front. We want to avoid a big back swing, squeezing the racquet and rushing the shot! It is very easy to be flat footed and in the wrong grip. Keep the volley simple and it will be effective! This simple split step is crucial on the faster surface of grass and is one reason why British volleyers are amongst the best in the world.
Tim “The Tiger” Henman was renowned for his serve and volley game and had the most success at Wimbledon! Playing on a faster surface forces you to try and shorten the points and change your playing style. Tim was always serving and volleying and getting up to the net at every opportunity! He always was confident, generated a lot of power with his legs, moving forwards and placing the ball in the court whilst keeping the volley simple but effective!
The British brothers, Andy and Jamie Murray have been very successful singles and doubles players and the volley has been one of their key weapons to their success! They have been very effective in defending at the net, cutting off angles/returns, moving forwards at every opportunity and putting their opponents under constant pressure! Both have reached the #1 ranking, Jamie in doubles and Andy in singles.
As a club player the volley is a great weapon to utilize in both singles and doubles! It is a great shot to have as part of your tennis game, gives you the opportunity to effectively use against different styles of player and improve! Having a good volley will help complete your tennis game, make you more competitive against other club players and implement different strategies. This can be one of the weapons that will take you to the next level!
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