Volley direction: choosing based on ball distance
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I choose the direction of my volley?
If the ball is far from your body, keep the volley parallel to protect the center. If the ball is close, you can use your weight transfer to choose between the line, the middle, or the cross-court.
What this lesson covers
The volley trajectory depends on the distance of the incoming ball from the body. When receiving a ball far to the forehand side, the first step is with the right foot to align with the ball path. Maintain the parallel line to avoid leaving the center of the court exposed. Players can either block the ball with an extended arm or step forward to transfer weight and add pace if time permits.
When the ball arrives closer to the body, the player gains more options for direction. After planting the right foot and opening the racket face, the weight transfer allows for hitting down the line, through the middle, or cross-court. The body momentum follows the chosen direction to maintain court coverage. This lesson suits players looking to improve their decision-making during net exchanges.
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Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Right, Net
Play style
Tactical
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