Volley direction: choosing the right target

What this lesson covers

Neutral volleys require returning the ball to the same diagonal or line from which it arrived. This strategy maintains the current court position and prevents the opponents from exploiting gaps created by unnecessary movement. When the ball arrives from the side, changing the direction of play forces both partners to scramble, leaving the court vulnerable to counterattacks.

Attacking volleys offer more flexibility. Aiming for the corners with aggressive pace forces the ball into the glass, while hitting down the center with slice makes the ball die near the back glass. These shots pressure the opponents and often result in an easier ball for the next sequence. Changing direction is safest when the ball comes through the center, as it allows both players to shift their positions incrementally while keeping the court covered. The most effective approach involves hitting deep or toward the fence to buy time for the team to reset.