Footwork techniques for volleys and movement

What this lesson covers

Effective volleying requires stepping across with the opposite foot to reach wider balls and assist shoulder rotation. For a right-handed player, this means stepping with the left foot on a forehand and the right foot on a backhand. This movement creates a side-on body shape that improves accuracy and control. When moving backward to track a lob, side-stepping maintains balance and keeps the eyes on the ball, preventing the loss of shape that occurs when running backward or turning away from the play.

Maintaining the net position requires planting the feet before striking the volley. Running through the shot causes a loss of stability and control. A split step, performed as a small bounce on the toes before the opponent contacts the ball, improves reaction time and speed. While difficult to maintain during a rally, practicing this on the return of serve helps build the habit. Finally, the serve benefits from a fluid motion where the back foot steps forward upon impact, naturally transitioning the player toward the net.