By Jeff Henkelman
The volley is one of the easiest shots to master if you can simply understand that it is a "catching" motion. That's right, if you can catch a ball, you can master the volley!
Too often players still think they should "punch" a volley or even worse "take a swing" on a volley. The problem with both concepts is the intention to add power to the volley, and in most cases, you actually want to take power away from the volley.
With more players hitting harder from the baseline, the ability to hit soft, short-angled volleys is more important than ever, and is, in fact, one of the most effective ways to win the point at the net. Watch any pro match and you will see this is the case.
The experts at PBI recommend players use a continental grip as it will always allow for an open racquet face and a strong, comfortable arm with a firm and flexible wrist, making it easy to execute this catching motion. Have someone throw you a tennis ball and watch you naturally catch the ball with an open hand.
The legendary Peter Burwash would often teach the drop volley first. This open racquet face and catching motion would allow for a natural arc and underspin on the ball that could more easily be controlled.
Adding power, if ever required, is as simple as squeezing the bottom three fingers on the racquet and slightly lengthening the contact forward.
The backhand volley is the same as the forehand volley in every way, with the one exception being the hitting arm goes from bent to straight. The reason for this is that on the forehand volley, the knuckles are naturally behind the racquet, providing the needed strength and stability, whereas on the backhand volley, this is not the case, so the arm needs to be straightened to provide additional strength.
So, think "catch" and you will be on your way to mastering one of the easiest and most misunderstood shots in tennis.
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