A forehand volley in tennis is a shot played near the net where the player hits the ball before it bounces on their side of the court. It's usually executed with the racquet held in the dominant hand for right-handed players, which means they use their right hand to hit the ball. The player positions themselves close to the net and uses a short, controlled stroke to redirect the ball back over the net to the opponent's side of the court. The forehand volley is an essential skill in tennis, especially in doubles play, as it allows players to take advantage of opportunities at the net and put pressure on their opponents.
Hitting a forehand volley in tennis requires good timing, technique, and hand-eye coordination. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
Positioning: Start by positioning yourself at the net with your racket up and ready, knees slightly bent, and weight forward on the balls of your feet. Your non-dominant hand can be used for balance and to help guide your movement.
Grip: Hold the racket with a continental grip, which is a universal grip for volleys. This means your index knuckle is on bevel 2 (for a right-handed player) or bevel 8 (for a left-handed player).
Preparation: Keep your racket head up and in front of your body, ready to react to the incoming ball. Bend your elbows slightly to keep your racket in a neutral position.
Contact Point: As the ball approaches, move your racket forward to meet it in front of your body. Your contact point should be out in front of your body, slightly to the side of your hitting shoulder.
Punching Motion: Unlike groundstrokes, where you swing through the ball, the volley is more of a punching motion. Keep your wrist firm and punch the ball with a short, controlled stroke. Aim to make contact with the ball at the center of the racket face.
Follow Through: After making contact with the ball, allow your racket to follow through naturally, but keep the motion compact. Your follow-through should be shorter than on groundstrokes.
Recovery: After hitting the volley, quickly recover back to the ready position at the net. Anticipate where your opponent might hit the next shot and be prepared to move accordingly.
Practice: Like any skill in tennis, hitting a forehand volley effectively takes practice. Work on your timing, footwork, and hand-eye coordination through drills and repetition.
Remember to stay relaxed and focus on timing and technique. With practice, you'll become more comfortable and confident with your forehand volleys.
To learn more about mastering the forehand volley in tennis as well as other tennis strokes schedule a private coaching lesson with Potomac Tennis Pro.