Many baseline players avoid the net because they feel exposed there. Yet a reasonable volley ends points quickly and puts pressure on opponents, and in doubles you cannot avoid it. The net game is less about talent than about a compact technique and good positioning.
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The volley: short and firm
Use a continental grip so you do not need to change grips between forehand and backhand volleys. Keep the racquet in front of you, head up. The movement is a short punch or block, not a swing: turn your shoulders slightly, meet the ball in front of you with a firm wrist, and move your body forward into the shot. A short follow-through is enough. Most volley errors come from swinging too much.
On low volleys, bend your knees to get down to the ball rather than dropping the racquet head. Open the face slightly and aim deep.
The split step
As your opponent is about to hit, make a small hop and land on both feet, balanced and ready to move either way. This “split step” is the foundation of good net play. Without it, you are caught moving the wrong way or flat-footed.
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Getting to the net
Approach behind a good shot: a deep or low ball, often a slice down the line, that makes your opponent hit from a difficult position. Follow the line of the ball, split-step as they hit, then close in. The first volley is often a set-up shot; the second, closer to the net, finishes the point.
Half volleys and drop volleys
A half volley is hit just after the bounce, usually when a ball lands at your feet as you move forward. Get low, keep the racquet face stable and block the ball back with very little swing. It is a recovery shot, so aim for safety rather than winners.
A drop volley takes pace off the ball to land it just over the net. Soften your grip at contact and let the racquet absorb the speed, with a slightly open face. Use it when your opponent is far behind the baseline; against someone close to the net, it gives them an easy ball.
Handling lobs and passing shots
At the net, you need to cover the passing shot and the lob. Position yourself in line with the ball, slightly toward the side your opponent is more likely to hit. If they lob, turn sideways and move back quickly; our guide to overheads and smashes covers the follow-up. When returning volleys yourself, the same rules apply: keep it compact and aim low at the opponent’s feet.
Volley drills
volley-to-volley exchanges with a partner, both at the net;
coach feeds alternating low and high volleys;
approach shot plus two volleys, then play out the point;
“serve and volley” points to practice the transition.
Volleys are also the heart of doubles; see tips for playing doubles. To finish points you set up at the net, work on your drop shots as well.
