Volley length control: adjusting arm extension

What this lesson covers

Effective volleying requires managing three distinct court lengths to force opponents out of position. The deep zone near the back glass forces defenders to decide between letting the ball pass or playing off the glass. The middle zone toward the fence disrupts the rhythm and forces movement. The short zone, or drop shot area, does not require a winner to be effective. A ball bouncing twice in this area achieves the goal of opening angles for the next shot.

Control comes from arm extension rather than wrist movement. The ready position keeps elbows in front of the body without full extension. To hit deep, the arm extends almost fully while transferring body weight forward. For shorter volleys, the arm extends less with minimal weight transfer. For a drop shot, the arm barely extends and the body remains neutral. The impact point remains constant regardless of the intended length. This approach suits players looking to vary their pace and depth to keep opponents guessing.