Volley placement: targeting before the service line

What this lesson covers

Professional net play centers on forcing opponents to hit from difficult positions. Aiming volleys to bounce before the service line limits the defender's ability to use the glass. When the ball hits the floor early, the defender must strike it from a low position, often resulting in a weak return or a pop-up that allows the net player to finish the point. This tactic denies the opponent the time required to set up a lob or a clean counter-attack.

Deep shots behind the service line are reserved for moments when the net player has full control and time to apply heavy slice. A sliced ball stays low, preventing a high bounce that would otherwise give the defender an easy setup. If the incoming ball is heavy, the priority shifts to blocking it short to keep the defender pinned. This approach forces the opponent to play from low to high, creating opportunities for the net player to capitalize on the resulting defensive errors.