Forehand volley: keeping the racket in front

What this lesson covers

The forehand volley often suffers from an overextended backswing because the body provides no natural stop. To fix this, the coach uses the analogy of catching a ball. When catching, the hand naturally stays in front of the body, which serves as the ideal reference point for the racket head. Keeping the elbow close to the body prevents the racket from drifting too far back, ensuring the player maintains control and remains ready for the next shot.

To generate slice, the coach instructs players to start the racket high in a hammer position and move downward through the ball. This high-to-low motion creates backspin, causing the ball to drop after hitting the glass rather than bouncing up. The coach emphasizes keeping the racket compact, often referred to as Mickey Mouse ears, to avoid unnecessary movement. This technique is particularly useful for players who struggle with timing or feel late on their volleys.