Here is a challenge to everyone. The next time you are out on the tennis court try to take a step forward after you hit every volley.

Why? There are two reasons.

The first reason is that it gets you going forward while you are hitting your volley. It forces you to go out after the ball rather than waiting for the ball to come to you.

The second reason, is that your opponent will feel you getting closer to the net. Therefore, every single volley will put more and more pressure on your opponent.

You will also gain volley angle options to finish the point from the net.

This both applies to singles as well as doubles. When you are watching the elite level doubles watch how each player moves closer and closer to the net.

When warming up at the start of the match many people stand too close to the net. Start on the service line and practice your volleys there. In reality that will be where you will be hitting most of your volleys.

After each volley in the same rally move slightly closer and closer to the net. Start back on the service line on every practice rally.

This is obviously a good drill to do in practice and the warm up before the match. Practice ‘making’ alot of volleys while standing on the service line. You will be forced to hit the ball below the net height and get down to the ball.

Look out for better players OR your opposition doing this.. Now you know why !!

Try this and let me know how it goes!

Michael

As Early As Possible. Yes, go out after your volley. Do not wait for it to come to you.

This does a few things.

Firstly it gets you moving forward to the volley. With your body momentum going forward you will use your body weight as the main power in the volley. Most people who stand very flat footed tens to swip and slap at their volleys in an attempt to generate power.

Secondly, it forces you to take an attacking approach to the volley which really threatens the opponent.

Thirdly, the earlier you hit the ball the higher over the net the ball is at contact. The longer you let the ball come to you, the lower your volley will be hit. So, with a lower volley you will then need to hit up on the ball to clear the net and are forced to play a softer shot.

Forth, with your momentum going forward you will continue to get closer to the net on the next volley - therefore closing out the point at the net.

Fifth, you will naturally hit the ball out in front of your body which is essential for good volleys.

Wow - all these results just by thinking about hitting it as early as possible !

Volley positive, go forward and close the point out.

Michael