🎾 6 volley tips every player should know

Oct 19, 2025 4:06 pm

Hi ,

I would like to share with you some of the key elements I focus on when teaching my students the VOLLEY.

This is one of the easiest strokes to hit, yet many complicate it.

So here are 5 aspects that I pay attention to when it comes to a good Volley:

1. The way you get to the net is very important.

Your approach shot dictates whether you will be defending or attacking on your first volley. Approach the net with a low slice or aggressive shot to your opponent’s weak side.

2. Do not try to hit a winner off the first volley.

Most of the time, the first volley will be a set-up shot, making your opponent block it back or hit a weak return, so you can put it away (or attempt to) with your second, or third volley.

3. Do not swing.

The volley is not a swing; it is a punch shot. Because you do not have too much time to take the racquet back due to the short distance between you (at the net) and your opponent (at the baseline), it is best not to let your racket pass the line of your shoulders.

4. Lock the wrist and relax the hand.

To have good control of your racquet at contact, I suggest you lock the wrist at 90 degrees (more or less) and avoid squeezing the handle too hard.

5. Use slice or underspin.

Prepare with the racquet head slightly higher than the eventual contact and bring it down through the contact. The slice/underspin will keep the ball low, which will force your opponent to send the ball up - this is what you need next: a high ball coming your way.

6. Hands should work together.

For better balance, keep the two hands together when volleying. Imagine you are holding a basketball between your hands as you prepare for the shot.

The volley is a simple and important shot in tennis, yet many players overcomplicate it.

Practice it outside your regular tennis matches or weekly sessions with your coach or hitting partner.

And the best way, in my opinion, to practice your strokes is with a ball machine.

My favorite hitting partner is the PongBot tennis robot.

This is the most versatile tennis ball machine out there, and I would recommend you check it out:

Here is the link to the PongBot Pace S Pro - the tennis coaching and training tool that I choose and recommend.

They now have a Halloween sale of up to 30% off; plus, if you use my code CTT5 you will get an extra 5% discount.