Volley technique: vertical racket and compact blocks

What this lesson covers

Volleying requires a vertical racket head position to maintain control and shorten the swing. Players transitioning from squash often rely on large, swinging motions that lack the necessary precision for the net. The coach demonstrates a block volley where the racket stays up in front of the body, creating a stable surface to redirect the ball without excessive force. A split step is essential before the contact to ensure the player is balanced and ready to move into the ball.

Shoulder rotation is initiated by pulling back with the non-dominant hand. This movement keeps the racket head high and prevents the arm from dropping. On the backhand side, the left hand provides support to keep the swing compact and prevent the racket from moving behind the body. The player steps into the ball to generate slice, which keeps the shot low and difficult for opponents to return. This technique feels restrictive to players accustomed to large swings, but it produces a more consistent and controlled volley.