The volley ends points—Federer’s 70% win rate at net; 2025 Alcaraz serves-and-volleys 15% more. Pros win 65% net approaches; amateurs 40%. This 650-word guide covers grip, footwork, punch technique, drills, and tactics to own the kitchen.
Grip & Stance
Continental Grip: All volleys—forehand/backhand same. Knuckle on bevel 2.
Ready Position: Knees bent, racquet head up, split-step on opponent’s contact.
Cue: “Hammer everything”—short, firm.
Footwork Fundamentals
- Split-Step: Timing hop as opponent hits—widen base.
- Small Steps: Adjust, not lunges. Weight forward.
- Unit Turn: Shoulders rotate minimal—punch, not swing.
- Recovery: Step back post-volley.
Net height: 3 ft center. Approach 2-3 ft inside baseline.
Punch Technique
Forehand/Backhand Same:
- Short Backswing: Racquet back 6-12 inches.
- Contact: Out front, firm wrist, open face low-to-high for underspin.
- Follow-Through: Minimal—stab forward, wrist snap.
- Body Lean: Knees drive, chest over ball.
Drop volley: Soften grip, absorb pace. Swing volley: Full motion for power.
Types of Volleys
- Punch: Standard—block redirect.
- Drop: Touch, die at net.
- Swing: Drive passing shots.
- Half-Volley: Pick-up low balls.
- Overhead Smash: Jump, pronate.
Approach: Inside-out forehand best.
Drills for Net Mastery
- Feed Volleys: Coach lobs, 50 punch volleys each side.
- Approach & Volley: Groundstroke approach, 2 volleys, reset.
- Live Ball Net: 4 balls—approach, volley, volley, overhead.
- Doubles Alleys: Cross-court only, force net.
- Pressure Feeds: Partner drives, volley angles.
Goal: 80% in court.
Tactical Approaches
- Serve & Volley: First serve wide, chip-charge second.
- Chip & Charge: Return slice, rush net.
- Baseline Rally: Inside-in winner, follow to net.
- Doubles Poach: Fake, cross—intercept.
Read: Opponent’s shoulders—pass or lob?
Strength & Reaction
2x/week:
- Wrist Rolls: 3×15
- Med Ball Wall Slams: 3×20
- Reaction Ball: 3x30s
- Agility Ladder: Split-steps
Core: Planks with racquet hold.
Common Faults & Fixes
- Big Swing: Shorten—cue “punch nose.”
- Late Split: Time opponent’s strings.
- High Contact: Bend knees—lower COM.
- Floaters: Add underspin—open face.
- Lobbed: Backpedal, overhead.
Video: Side view—contact out front?
Pro Benchmarks
- Roddick: 80% S&V points won.
- Edberg: Touch drop volleys.
- 2025 Alcaraz: 18% net points, up from 2024.
Mental Edge
Visualize angles. Net mantra: “Short, firm, forward.”
Youth Adaptation
Ages 8-12: Mini-tennis volleys. 12-15: Approach feeds.
Final Approach
Volleys demand courage—split, punch, finish. Rush net 10x/game—points shorten, wins rise.
(Word count: 652)