Is serve and volley still effective?

Yes, especially at club level, where many returners struggle with a low ball at their feet or someone rushing the net. Used occasionally, it also stops opponents settling into a rhythm.

Which serve is best for serve and volley?

A serve with spin that gives you time to move forward, such as a kick serve, or a slice out wide that opens the court for the first volley.

How to Serve and Volley

5 video lessons

Serve, follow it in, split, and make the first volley deep.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Serve and volley means following your serve straight to the net and finishing the point with a volley. It works best behind a serve that pushes the returner back or wide, such as a kick serve to the backhand or a slice out wide.

Run in after the serve, split step as the returner makes contact and aim the first volley deep and to the open court. You do not need to reach the service line; balance at the split matters more than how far forward you got.

Key tips

Toss slightly further into the court so the serve carries you forward.
Split step every time the returner hits.
Make the first volley deep, not a winner.
Mix it in to surprise opponents rather than every point.

FAQ

Is serve and volley still effective?: Yes, especially at club level, where many returners struggle with a low ball at their feet or someone rushing the net. Used occasionally, it also stops opponents settling into a rhythm.
Which serve is best for serve and volley?: A serve with spin that gives you time to move forward, such as a kick serve, or a slice out wide that opens the court for the first volley.