Backhand volley: body weight and preparation

What this lesson covers

The backhand volley relies on body weight transfer rather than arm strength to create pressure. A building volley prioritizes control over power, keeping the ball deep to force the opponent into a difficult situation. The ready position starts with the body leaning forward, creating a sense of falling into the shot the moment contact is made. This forward momentum ensures the ball travels with purpose without requiring excessive effort.

Preparation begins by making the body compact, effectively hugging the racket to ensure a fast turn. The non-dominant hand holds the racket throat initially, then releases as the shoulders and hips rotate to build tension in the chest. Showing the racket logo to the incoming ball helps maintain a solid structure. At impact, the ratio is 70 percent flat and 30 percent slice to keep the ball moving through the court. The contact point stays in front of the body, never to the side, to maintain control. A full follow-through transmits the body weight forward, setting the player up to return to the ready position quickly for the next ball.