🥅Tennis Volley Drills

How to do it

1. Catch-and-block warm-up. Have a partner toss balls while you block them back with a continental grip and almost no swing.
2. Forehand and backhand volleys. Volley ten balls to each side from the service line, stepping forward with the opposite foot.
3. Volley to targets. Place targets deep in the corners and short crosscourt, and aim each volley to a called target.
4. Volley-to-volley. Stand on opposite service lines and keep a volley rally going, staying low and balanced.
5. Approach and finish. Hit an approach shot, close in, split step and finish with one or two volleys.

Key tips

• Keep the racquet head up and in front of you; let the ball come to the strings.
• Use your legs to get low on low balls instead of dropping the racquet head.
• Split step every time your opponent is about to hit.
• Firm grip at contact, relaxed between shots.

FAQ

What grip should I use to volley?

The continental grip. It lets you hit forehand and backhand volleys without changing grips, which matters when the ball comes quickly.

How can I practice volleys alone?

Stand close to a wall and volley without letting the ball bounce, or use a ball machine set to short, flat feeds.