Volley technique: body weight and depth control

What this lesson covers

The volley requires breaking the forward inertia to maintain precision. Players often struggle because they attempt to hit the same perfect volley they practiced regardless of the incoming ball speed or their own court position. When caught out of position, the focus shifts to blocking the ball and waiting for a better opportunity to attack rather than forcing a winner. A common error involves trying to generate excessive spin, which slows the ball down and makes it easier for the opponent to defend. Instead, the goal is to play deep, landing the ball near the back glass at a medium speed to prevent the opponent from lobbing.

Technically, the volley is often played from below the net, especially when the player is not right at the net. Proper execution involves shifting weight onto the lead foot, rotating the shoulders, and using the legs to push into the shot. Keeping the wrist locked prevents the ball from floating upward, which is critical for keeping the ball deep. This process takes time to become habitual, as it requires moving from conscious technical adjustments to intuitive movement during a match.