How to improve your tennis volleys

What is a volley in tennis? A volley is when you hit a ball without it bouncing.

Generally, you’d play a volley when you’re up at the net and usually it’s more of an attacking shot.

If you’re just starting out or want to improve your volley technique, here are LTA expert coach Matt Smith’s easy tips to playing better volleys.

Have space from the net

Standing in the right place is really important.

As a guide, while at the net, hold the racket out in front of you so you can almost touch it while stretching, and take a step back – this is a good position to hit volleys.

Remember, in tennis you can’t touch the net when you hit a shot, so you don’t want to be too close.

If you stand too far away, it will make it harder for you to hit your volleys and it’s easier for your opponent to hit it to your feet, or get it pass you.

Cut off the angles

You also want to make sure you cut off as many angles as possible for your opponents.

What does this mean? In singles, you’ll likely want to be stood around in the middle of the court so your opponent, or rally partner must play a much harder shot down the line or across the court to get past you.

In doubles, this would then be the middle of your half of the court. You may also move more from side-to-side in that half, in tandem with your partner on their side, to cover the tramlines and the centre of the court.

Hold your racket up

When you’re ready and waiting to hit your volley keep your racket up high and in front of your chest.

This will make it easier for you to react quickly and helps keep your contact point up high– which means more winners for you!

Get your grip right

For volleys, we recommend using what’s known as the chopper grip.

To use a chopper grip, hold the racket in your hand as if you’re going to chop some wood, hence the term ‘chopper grip’. This should create a ‘V’ shape with your thumb and index finger down the side of the grip.

This allows you to hit both forehand and backhand volleys with the same grip, and makes it easier for you in the long run.

High-five the ball

The volley is different to a normal forehand or backhand – there’s no swing involved.

Instead, the volley is more like a block, or punch, or as if you’re trying to high-five the ball.

Top tip: The strings of your racket should always be facing your target and the aim is to play the ball in front of you.