Tennis is a sport that requires a lot of different skills to play effectively. One of the most important skills to learn is volleying.
Volleying refers to hitting the ball before it bounces on the court. Volleying is an essential part of tennis, and learning how to do it properly can greatly improve your game. Here, we will discuss the steps you can take to learn how to volley in tennis.
Understand the Basic Technique
The first step to learning how to volley is to understand the basic technique. The basic technique for volleying involves positioning your body correctly and using the correct grip on the racket. When volleying, you should be standing at the net, with your body facing the net and your knees slightly bent. Your non-dominant hand should be holding the racket while your dominant hand is ready to hit the ball.
The grip you use for volleying is different from the grip you use for other shots in tennis. The most common grip for volleying is the continental grip, where you hold the racket with your hand at a slight angle. This grip allows you to hit the ball with a flat surface, which gives you more control and accuracy.
Practice Footwork
Volleying requires quick reflexes and good footwork. To improve your footwork, practice moving quickly from side to side and back and forth. The more comfortable you are moving around the net, the easier it will be to hit volleys.
When volleying, you want to take small steps and be light on your feet. This will allow you to move quickly and get into position to hit the ball. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, so you can easily move in any direction.
Work on Timing
Timing is crucial when it comes to volleying. You need to be able to hit the ball at the right moment to get the best results. To work on your timing, practice hitting balls that are fed to you by a partner or coach as part of a drill for two players. Start with slow balls and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable.
Focus on getting into the right position and hitting the ball at the right moment. If you’re hitting the ball too early or too late, adjust your timing until you find the sweet spot.
Focus on Control
Control is key when it comes to volleying. You want to be able to place the ball where you want it to go. To work on your control, practice hitting volleys to specific targets on the court.
Start by aiming for the centre of the court and gradually work your way towards the sidelines. Focus on hitting the ball with a flat surface and keeping your racket head stable. The more control you have over your volleys, the more effective they will be in a match.
Practice Consistently
Like any other skill in tennis, volleying requires consistent practice to improve. Make sure you dedicate time in your practice sessions to work on your volleys. You can do this by hitting with a partner or a coach, or by using a ball machine.
To make the most of your practice time, set specific goals for yourself. For example, you might aim to hit a certain number of volleys in a row or hit a certain number of targets in a row. By setting goals and tracking your progress, you can stay motivated and see real improvement in your volleying skills.
Incorporate Volleys into Your Game
Once you’ve mastered the basics of volleying, it’s time to start incorporating it into your game. Look for opportunities to hit volleys during matches, such as when your opponent hits a weak return or when they approach the net.
When hitting volleys in a match, focus on maintaining good footwork and timing. Remember to keep your eye on the ball and stay relaxed.
