Drop shot drill: Although some players seem to be naturals at the drop volley, fostering this kind of finesse is a learned behavior.
The tap-catch drill helps players develop such finesse. In this exercise, a player stands inside the service line in the ready position. A ball is fed to the forehand, and the player gently taps the ball with a high-to-low brushing motion to apply mild backspin. The ball should only travel about a foot up in the air.
More: 4 Drills to Improve Your Volleys
The player then catches the ball with the nondominant hand and repeats. After a set amount of attempts, switch to the backhand side.
Once the player establishes the proper feel, the player should progress to applying the same technique while feathering the drop volley over the net.
Half Volley
A half volley is struck immediately after the bounce. This secondary volley may be executed by using abbreviated groundstroke grips and techniques or by applying volley grips and techniques, depending on the player's position on the court.
If the player is in between the service and base lines, she or he can return the shot using a modified groundstroke. Because of the condensed timing of the shot, modifications include an abbreviated backswing, a lower center of gravity, a deeper knee bend, a slight low-to-high swing path through the strike zone, and an abbreviated follow-through.
More: One Drill for Faster Feet and Better Accuracy
If the player is positioned inside the service line, then the volley grips and techniques will likely be applied. Modifications include a lower center of gravity, a deep knee bend, an open racquet face, and a slight low-to-high swing path through the contact zone, which allows for a higher degree of lift.
Often, because of the low, vulnerable strike zone, half volleys struck from inside the service box should be performed using the drop volley technique.
Lob Volley
This is another touch volley that is used to lift the ball over an opposing net player's head. The lob volley is a delicate shot because it needs enough arc to successfully get over the opponent's head without sailing past the baseline.
More: The Secret to Returning Lobs
The technique is similar to the standard volley except the racquet face is more open in order to promote the higher shot.
Also, instead of punching through the shot to drive the volley, the player uses a swing path that is more of a gentle incline. There's no need for pace on this shot because placement is the key result.
More: How to Choose the Right Shot
Search for your next tennis event.
- 2
- of
- 2
About the Author
Discuss This Article