The Volleying Game (Part-1)
THE volleying stroke is more of a push than a hit. In the pushing stroke you meet the ball and come forward at the same time. The wrists and joints are kept fairly stiff. There is none of the loose swing of the ordinary stroke. Meet all your volleys about waist-high or above. Any ball of shoulder height should be volleyed. Above that a ball should be smashed. The harder a ball comes the less push you have on your stroke; the stiffer you meet it to let it bound back off the racquet. On easy returns you push the ball more.
Players should not be afraid of stooping for low volleys. Don't remain upright. Bend your knees and meet the ball body high at least. By bending you get under the ball.
For stop or block volleys you suddenly check the racquet as soon as the ball comes in contact with it.
Good depth is needed on the return in volleying. Short volleys, except wide, cross court volleys, are poor, as the adversary can pass you. Do not cut or chop the ball in volleying. One should cut the ball only to shorten depth on a cross court volley. In volleying always keep the head of your racquet above your wrist, and even more on your backhand volley.
If caught off balance, that is with no chance to make even a push, hold the racquet tight and the force of the ball will return it on a rebound. In volleying be careful not to bring the racquet too far around to cross the line of the shot, or it will be out of court. Try meeting the ball the same distance from you at all times. The higher you meet the ball the less you have to worry about putting it over the net. Many players prefer meeting a volley low, but it is a harder stroke to execute. The higher you meet the ball the more angle into the other court you have. You are only coming down with the shot, while on a low volley you come up on your stroke and still you have to keep the ball in court.
|
