Forehand volley: scapula retraction and extension

What this lesson covers

The forehand volley requires stabilizing the scapula to prevent the elbow from compensating with a downward slice. Retracting the scapula allows the player to rotate the hip and extend the arm forward toward the target. A circular motion to the back, rather than moving up and down, keeps the preparation natural and stable.

Once the scapula is set, the player must focus on a full extension of the arm. Instead of slicing by dropping the racket head, the player should hit the ball flat and then supinate the forearm. Stopping the racket at the end of the follow-through helps the player monitor if the wrist is staying locked or if the movement is being generated by the hand. Micro-adjustments during the split step are necessary to position the body correctly, ensuring the player does not lose scapular stability when reaching for balls hit toward the body.