Forehand volley: body weight and footwork

What this lesson covers

The forehand volley requires power from the legs and body rotation rather than the arm. Players often rely on the arm for control and slice, which leads to a lack of depth and pressure. Instead, the weight of the body must move forward into the shot, specifically stepping with the left leg toward the target. This movement creates the necessary force to push the opponent toward the back glass, limiting their options for lobs or chiquitas.

Footwork is essential for maintaining this pressure. After every volley, the player must recover to the ready position with a quick jump to be prepared for the next ball. If the opponent is kept deep in the corner, the pressure increases, eventually forcing errors. Simplicity is preferred over complex patterns like moving the ball corner to middle, as accuracy is easier to maintain with a consistent target. When the opponent is forced back, the player should move forward to command the net. This lesson is for players who want to transition from simply keeping the ball in play to actively dictating the point.