Volley

Volley Essentials

Many tennis players feel a surge of anxiety when they’re close to the net—especially with the fear of getting struck by a fast-moving ball. This fear often triggers a natural, but costly, reaction: turning the head away.

Turning your head compromises your ability to track the ball and disrupts your volley rhythm.

Vision & Positioning: The Core of Volley Success

Volleys differ from groundstrokes in one critical way—they demand a constant shift in visual focus, transitioning from a wide (parallel) to a narrow (triangular) frame as the ball approaches.

To master volleys:

• Keep the ball in front of you in your visual field.

• Track with your eyes, not your head.

• Avoid head movement, which breaks rhythm and timing.

• Rotate your shoulders to meet the ball and catch it out in front.

The Mechanics That Matter

Rather than leaning back or flinching, players should:

• Rotate the torso to face the ball.

• Keep a stable base and compact swing.

• Make contact in front of the body with a firm wrist and relaxed grip.

Build Confidence Through Repetition

Practicing this core volley pattern not only sharpens muscle memory but also boosts success rates—up to 80% improvement with consistent application. The more you train your visual discipline and body alignment, the less fear you’ll feel at the net.

Key Takeaways

• Train your eyes, not your instincts.

• Keep the head still and shoulders engaged.

• Repetition builds rhythm and confidence.

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By committing to these fundamentals, you’ll transform fear into composure—and reaction into control. Own the net with presence, precision, and poise.

(C) MUIR TENNIS ACADEMY 2010-2024