The Tennis Volley – Take Control Of The Match By Approaching The Net

If you’re looking to take control of your match, you need to master the tennis volley. Approaching the net forces your opponent to come up with creative solutions for getting the ball past you, which can lead to mistakes or poor shot selection on their part. Moving up to the net also allows you to end points quickly by finishing off rallies with volleys or smashes. This can put added pressure on your opponents who may be expecting longer rallies and have not yet had time to develop any sort of rhythm or momentum in their game. 

Master the volley to win points quickly.

Know When To Approach The Net 

The key is knowing when to make your approach to the net. There are several situations when it's appropriate to move in closer, such as when your opponent has just hit a weak shot or when they are struggling to reach the ball. If your shot is powerful and deep, that's another sign that you should consider running in for a volley.

Move Quickly To The Net 

To take control of the match with volleys you'll need to move quickly to the net when you have an opportunity. If you’re able to get into a good position and cut off all the angles at the net, it will put pressure on your opponent and make them more likely to make mistakes as they try to hit shots past you.

Volley Technique

Once you’ve reached the net, proper technique is essential for maintaining control over your ball. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart as you prepare for your volley and make sure that you are leaning into each shot so that your body weight shifts forward when making contact with the ball. This will add more power behind each shot. Additionally, focus on keeping your racket face up when volleying and keep your wrist firm when hitting the ball.

Anticipate Your Opponent’s Shot 

An effective way of anticipating where your opponent is going to hit their next shot is by reading their body language and footwork before each shot. By doing this, you can be better positioned at the net and cut off their angles. Also, if your opponent tends to go for certain shots or angles more than others, you can use this knowledge to prepare yourself accordingly and maximise your chances of winning the point.

Utilise Angles

When volleying, it’s important to remember that angles are one of your greatest allies. Using angles to send the ball away from your opponent’s hitting zone is key to maintaining control of the point. Go for sharp angles by volleying cross court and getting your opponent out of position.

Keep Your Volleys Low With Slices

Add slices to your volleys to keep the ball low, which makes it difficult for your opponent to attack because they must really bend low to get their racket head below the ball in order to return your volley well.

Use Short Strokes 

When volleying, using short strokes helps you control the ball better for greater accuracy and placement. Think of it like a punch rather than a swing. Longer strokes may give you more power but they also make it more difficult to control where the ball is going. 

Know When To Stay Back

There are times when staying back is better than moving forward. If your opponent has the time to hit a deep groundstroke or if they are in good position, it might be wiser to continue with the baseline rallies and wait for the right opportunity to move forward. Being patient will reduce the chances of you being passed by your opponent.

Volleying is an important skill to have as a tennis player and can give you the upper hand in matches if done correctly. By understanding when it’s best to move up to the net, getting into position quickly, using angles effectively and keeping your volleys low with slices, you will be able to control points better than ever before. However, don’t forget that there are times when staying back is just as effective of a strategy so make sure you know when those moments arise.

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