| The what? It is just like it sounds. You are "volleying" | | | | One of the biggest mistakes that newer (and older) |
| the ball out of the air, just like in volleyball. But the tennis | | | | players make when hitting a volley is swinging too hard |
| volley is not a day at the beach (pun definitely | | | | and too fast. We have all felt the need to rip the cover |
| intended). | | | | off the ball as it comes right at us. DO NOT DO THIS. |
| Think Like a Boxer | | | | The most effective way to hit a volley is a short jab, |
| Wait a minute. Aren't we talking about tennis? Yes, but | | | | keeping the arm bent and in tight. Oh yeah, don't forget |
| the tennis volley is an animal all its own and, in this | | | | to step TOWARD the ball with the split step. |
| case, we need to take a slightly different approach. | | | | Stay Calm, It's Just a Volley |
| When you think of boxers what is the first thing that | | | | You're at the net, your feet are set, your arms are in |
| come to mind? Good stance, elbows in close to the | | | | tight, and you're ready to jab. But here comes your |
| body (you don't want to get hit), short jabs. You can | | | | opponent's ball screaming at you at 100 miles an hour. |
| use all these things in a good volley. | | | | Now what do you do? STAY CALM. You are ready, |
| Footwork, Footwork, Footwork | | | | just react. Step toward the oncoming missile and jab |
| Getting your feet set and in a ready position is the first | | | | that little yellow devil across into the open court. Your |
| thing to remember when preparing for the volley. Set a | | | | opponent has already done all the hard work by hitting |
| good base with your feet and you are half way home. | | | | the ball as hard as he can, just follow your steps and |
| A good split step will get you in position to make a | | | | jab, jab, jab. |
| quality shot. | | | | Practice, Practice, Practice |
| Elbows In Tight | | | | Like everything you will do in tennis, the volley will get |
| OK, you have your feet set and you are ready to | | | | easier the more you practice. Have your coach or |
| make the shot. The next step is to make sure your | | | | playing partner hit balls at your forehand and backhand |
| arms and elbows are in tight. Keeping your arms and | | | | while you are at the net. The more you practice, the |
| elbow in will help you control the ball more effectively | | | | slower the 100 mile an hour ball will seem and YOU will |
| and, most of all, keep the ball in the court. | | | | win the point. |
| Jab, Jab, Jab | | | | |