What is the difference between a swing volley and a regular volley?

A regular volley is a short punch with a continental grip. A swing volley is a full topspin groundstroke swing hit out of the air, usually with a forehand grip.

When should you hit a swing volley?

When a high, slow ball floats toward midcourt. Hitting it out of the air takes time away from your opponent.

Why do my swing volleys go long?

Usually too little topspin or a swing that is too flat. Swing more low to high and aim higher over the net.

How to Hit a Swing Volley

6 video lessons

Take a high, slow ball out of the air with a full topspin swing.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A swing volley (or drive volley) is a groundstroke hit out of the air. Use it on a high, slow, floating ball around the service line, when letting it bounce would give your opponent time. It lets you attack from midcourt and close in behind it.

Use your normal forehand or backhand grip, turn early, and swing low to high with topspin so the ball dips into the court. Keep the swing a bit more compact than a groundstroke, stay balanced through contact and move forward to the net afterwards.

Key tips

Save it for high, slow balls; low or fast balls call for a regular volley.
Brush up the back of the ball for topspin and margin.
Contact out in front, around shoulder height.
Follow it to the net to finish the point.

FAQ

What is the difference between a swing volley and a regular volley?: A regular volley is a short punch with a continental grip. A swing volley is a full topspin groundstroke swing hit out of the air, usually with a forehand grip.
When should you hit a swing volley?: When a high, slow ball floats toward midcourt. Hitting it out of the air takes time away from your opponent.
Why do my swing volleys go long?: Usually too little topspin or a swing that is too flat. Swing more low to high and aim higher over the net.