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Tennis technique
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Tennis volley technique

The tennis volley is a decisive shot played close to the net. It requires precise movements , good preparation and speed of execution. Reaction time is short, which means you need to master your technique to follow through and be effective with both forehands and backhands. In this article, we’ll look at the essential elements for successful volleys, as well as advice on how to improve your game. Improve your volley with a tennis clinic at the Mouratoglou Academy.

Why work on the fly?

Simply to become a versatile player . This shot is particularly useful for closing a point quickly or destabilising your opponent by preventing him from regaining control from the baseline. It’s a shot that requires good control of the tennis racket, but also excellent body control to adjust your position in front of the ball.

How do you work on your tennis volley?

  • 1. The basic position

    The basic volley position starts with a solid position at the net. The shoulders should be slightly forward, with the arms off the body and the racket in front of you. The recommended racket grip is often the hammer grip to facilitate transitions between forehand and backhand.

  • 2. Quick preparation

    When the ball arrives, preparation must be instantaneous. For the forehand, this involves a rapid rotation of the shoulders and an opening of the dominant arm to guide the tennis racket towards the ball. For the backhand, the same logic applies, but with a slight extension of the left arm to maintain balance and guide the racket. The aim is to bring the racket into the correct hitting plane to face the ball.

  • 3. Contact with the ball

    Impact should be made in front of the body, in a position that maximises control. Accompanying the movement is essential for good ball control. Transferring the weight forward, with a left-leg drive for right-handed players, allows you to follow the ball smoothly.

Key elements of the flight

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  • Racket grip: The continental or hammer grip is the most common, as it allows you to switch from forehand to backhand without changing grip.
  • Position: A slightly bent position , with the legs shoulder-width apart, ensures stability and responsiveness.
  • Strikeplane: The strike plane should be in front of the body, whether you’re volleying a forehand or a backhand.
  • Accompaniment: After impact, the follow-through should be natural, directing the tennis racket towards the intended target.

When to fly up?

Going to the net is strategic when you have the upper hand in a rally. Good times to do this include :

  • After a serve-volley, when you follow your serve to the net to close quickly.
  • When you play an effective approach shot from the baseline that puts your opponent in difficulty.
  • After a shot that forces your opponent to hit a high or slow ball.
     

These situations increase your chances of closing the point, as your opponent is often thrown off balance by the proximity of the net and lacks time to react.

How do you destabilise your opponent in tennis?

Attaque de coup droit au tennis

The volley is the ideal way to surprise your opponent, but it’s not the only way to destabilise him. Here are some complementary techniques :

  • Variation of spin: Alternating lift and chop shots can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
  • Change of direction: Playing volleys across and along the line creates uncertainty in your opponent.
  • Anticipation: Taking the initiative by coming up to the net after a well-placed ball, or playing quickly in the corners, prevents your opponent from preparing properly.

The forehand volley

This is the most natural volley for many players. It begins with a quick preparation in which the shoulders turn slightly and the dominant arm opens to bring the racket into contact with the ball. When striking the ball, the body should be extended with the weight transferred forward to maximise impact. The racket head should remain slightly high to maintain control.

The backhand volley

Generally more difficult to play, this volley can become a formidable weapon. It involves a rapid rotation of the body with a slight extension of the dominant arm . The left hand is used to stabilise the racket. Impact with the ball must be made while maintaining a stable grip and directing the shot towards the desired area. The movement is shorter than for the forehand, but it must be fluid to ensure good control.

Flight specifications

  • 1. Volley to mid-court

    This shot is often played after a rise from the baseline. It’s an approach volley where precision is essential. Contact with the ball is at a lower level, and the player must bend his knees to maintain control.

  • 2. High flight

    It is played when the ball arrives high. It requires advance preparation with maximum extension of the arms. The racket head must be well forward to adjust the trajectory of the ball, and the strike must be firm to prevent the opponent from counter-attacking.

  • 3. Volley to the body

    It is often played in doubles, when the opponent is aiming directly at your body. It’s crucial not to lose your footing and to react quickly. It’s often preferred in this situation, as it makes it easier to escape the trajectory of the ball.

How do you choose a racket for volleys?

3 raquettes dunlop posées sur un court de tennis

The choice of tennis racket can greatly influence your volley. A light, manoeuvrable racket allows faster movement at the net. Players who regularly come to the net may prefer rackets with a smaller headsize for better control. Babolat and Wilson models are often favoured in the team collection.

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Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, FRANCE

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  • USA

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  • ASIA

  • MIDDLE EAST