Forehand and Backhand Volley

Volley is a tennis technique that is performed to return the ball to the opponent’s court side. When executed with utmost accuracy, the volley can be a player’s strong weapon to win points in his or her match. Basically, there are two kinds of tennis volley – forehand and backhand. But before we discuss how each of them is properly executed, here are the five most important elements to keep in mind when doing a tennis volley:

1. Split Step

The split step is the most appropriate initial step in executing a tennis volley. It readies you to return the shot of your opponent and provides your body with a good balance for increased accuracy in hitting a shot from your opponent. To do a split step, put your feet parallel on each other, while holding your racquet in between them (in front of your body). Then bend your knees and do a slight forward hop.

2. Footwork

An important component in tennis volley, proper footwork is needed for accuracy and balance in hitting the ball. Aside from the split step, small sprinting steps are included in the tennis volley footwork.

3. Use of Entire Body

Your tennis volley depends not only on your arms and feet, but on your whole body. When in a ready position, make sure that your knees are bent efficiently. Your playing arm should come as a unit with the racquet, and must coordinate well with your shoulder. Also, your trunk/chest should be angled properly.

4. Focus/Alertness

You must be fully concentrated and mentally alert in order to execute volleys and return your opponent’s volley in the quickest time possible.

5. Agility

A ball that is hit using tennis volley technique travels at a short distance and at a very fast speed. Thus, moving your whole body as quickly as you can is very important.

The Forehand Volley

The forehand volley makes use of the continental grip.  Angle your chest to about 45 degrees to the net. Put your hands between your chest and waist. The playing hand should be put in a position where it does not go behind the shoulder parallel to the hand (right shoulder for right-handed player). Then, perform the split step and pivot using your back foot while turning your shoulders to sideways. Swing your playing hand towards your back, such that it comes in between your shoulders while your wrist is laid back and the racquet is angled back.

After the preparation phase, step forward using your front foot and swing your playing arm and racquet forward simultaneously. The point of contact is in front of your body.

The Backhand Volley

The backhand volley also makes use of the continental grip. The steps of the preparation phase of the forehand volley are also used in doing a backhand volley. However, in a backhand volley, you have to do the forward swing in a downward direction to create more backspins on the ball. There must be a much larger downward aspect on the swing path of the racquet to perform a backhand volley accurately.

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