Volley technique: core rotation and preparation

What this lesson covers

Tennis players often carry too much momentum into the volley, leading to excessive arm movement and lack of control. The coach demonstrates a clear preparation phase where the racket is set and held steady before contact. Players should freeze the racket briefly to ensure a clean strike, avoiding the tendency to swing through the ball as if hitting a groundstroke. After contact, the racket returns to the starting position rather than continuing a wide follow-through.

Core rotation is the engine of the volley. Instead of relying on the arm, the player rotates the torso to generate power. The coach uses the belly button as a reference point, ensuring it turns toward the target area. To encourage this turn, players are instructed to look at the ball over their shoulder. While a 90-degree turn is often too much, aiming for 45 degrees creates the right balance. This approach helps players who struggle with opening their chest too early, providing a stable platform for consistent net play.