Volley technique: racket head position and blocking

What this lesson covers

The racket head must remain higher than the wrist during every volley. A vertical racket orientation provides a stable platform for blocking incoming shots. Players often mistake the instruction to keep the racket head up for a need to hold the entire racket high, but the grip should remain steady while the head stays above the wrist. This vertical alignment creates a V-shape between the forearm and the racket frame, which prevents the common error of playing with a horizontal, frying-pan style swing.

Volleying relies on receiving and pushing the ball rather than executing large, complex swings. Even when handling low balls, the player must maintain this V-shape by bending the knees to get low instead of dropping the racket head. A compact impact point is the goal, as excessive movement and large follow-throughs reduce consistency. This approach suits players who want to simplify their net game and improve their defensive stability.