Volleys

I was practicing a couple of weeks ago with my doubles partner (Sean) and was up at the net hitting volleys. My forehand volley was a shot I tended to think about a little too much when playing because unforced errors and lack luster put-aways were cropping up too much during match play: when I received an up ball on a poach I would pop it up too much or hit the net (that's the worst). The solution was easy--I was putting too much slice on the shot (too much "work" on the ball); better to hit through the ball clean and finish through the ball. Remember this tip: when the ball is above the net-- stick it and step "as" you hit the ball; if the ball is below the net step "first" then put a little slice for control. Both of these volleys start with the same wrist position the only difference is the "follow-through:" slice is down slightly with a firm wrist postion and flat is foward with an extension of the forearm straight ahead--also with a firm wrist.

First weekend in February will be our Mixed Doubles Tournament. You will get your tournament play, a mixed tennis social, with a player reception all just for $35.00. Hell I spend that just on Bagels and coffee each week. There's a lot of energy at the club right now riding on the coat tails of the singles tournament. Don't miss this one.

Serve and Volley Forehand

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

This shows the natural directional and depending where the volley is placed will open or close the court.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

High Forehand Volley

Hey folks, lets get one thing straight, change your grip to the continental for the volley. This means for anything high or low fast or slow. Take the racquet back high above the strike zone with the racquet tilted back a little bit. You should then reach forward with a declining motion -- just like the lifesaving dive (the one where you don't go under water with your head) as you step into the ball with your left foot (for right handers). Keep your wrist firm without slapping the ball. This will produce a solid backspin which will stay low and it will be tough for your opponent to dig out. "Fed" does this shot perhaps as good as Edberg and Sampras. It's a real point ender, one way or another. Live long and prosper! Sign up for a lesson if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease