Volley Tactics that Win in Tennis

Volley tactics are about ending at the net. This is where you want to be. If you have applied “constant pressure” during the point, there is a good chance you will be hitting an easy volley to finish the point. This is our goal with the tactical play.

One way to get to the net is through moving your opponent with your forehand (controlling the open court) until his or her balls land shorter and shorter in the court. As you take time on each shot, you’ll know when you have the opponent “on the ropes.” Now you’re ready to get to the net.

Against some opponents it may take you two shots before you get the short ball that you like. Other more skilled opponents may make you hit ten balls before you get one you can hit and burst to the net. So make sure you can execute at least ten shots in a row. We train to do this using the tennis ball machine and live ball drills.

The approach to the net happens best when you either take the ball a little bit earlier or by flattening it out to get there quicker. If you are going to flatten it out, make sure the ball is above net height. Otherwise, add spin and hit the “low heavy,” which will give you more time to get to the net.

After you hit the approach shot, make sure you burst to the net to “close the gap” in case your opponent runs the ball down. After you hit one volley, move forward again to close off the angles even further. Split step as he or she goes into the down swing, and you’ll be on the ground—able to move in all directions for your opponent’s shot.

Hit the first volley behind your opponent a high percentage of the time. Hit it deep to the corner or short to make your opponent stretch forward for the ball. Aim the next volley to the open court—a short angle or drop volley. When your opponent starts looking for the first volley behind him then go to the open court immediately and move in to cover the angles.

Apply this information on the volley tactics of ending at the net. Hopefully you have a good idea of the various aspects of getting there and what to do when you arrive. You’ll be amazed at how easy the first volley and winning shot can be, once you’ve laid the proper groundwork during the point for the approach. Practice your volley in doubles, and you'll master this shot more quickly.

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