The Volley (Part I)

Technical Training For the Volley

By Khan, M.

Tennis Program Director, Islamabad Club Coaching Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. Coach to national and internationally ranked juniors, professional and Davis Cup players

The magnificent display of an all-court game by Roger Federer has proved, beyond doubt, that the volley is still relevant. Modern players ought to be intelligent and competent enough to build the point well to earn the desired ball on which approach-volley combination could be based. In fact, Roger makes it look so easy that I decided to dedicate this article to this important topic.

Before I venture to talk about technique, I would like to reiterate that the volley is a catching skill. Thus, it is important that while working with beginners, they ought to be taught how to throw and catch the ball properly. You have to be at the right place at the right time to catch the ball! Once this basic skill is trained, you can then add the nutty gritty of technique.

The Grip: Research has shown that it is possible to hit forehand volley with an Eastern Forehand grip, and backhand volley with an Eastern Backhand grip, and in most coaching programs kids are taught that way primarily because small children are quite uncomfortable with the continental grip. However, to be effective at the net it is important that the players refine their grips toward an in-between continental grip (Fig. 1). An added advantage of the continental grip is that it is also the grip for serve and overhead smash. Some players also use it for 1-handed slice backhand approach shots.

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