The tennis drill book-2e

23. LOW-VOLLEY TECHNIQUE
Objective
To help players develop the feel and confidence needed for hitting low volleys.
Description
This volleying technique and practice drill is for forehand, backhand, and twohanded
backhand volleyers attempting to retrieve and hit an effective low volley.
This technique takes patience, balance, and good hand–eye coordination. Just
getting down low enough and holding the body steady while moving forward
is hard enough. Players must combine all that with an effective return so that
the opponent won’t eat up the return volley.
Execution
If time is available, players should step forward into this volley using a neutral
stance. A strong foundation with a deep knee bend is key to getting down to
the level of the ball. Keeping the upper body straight will improve balance and
allow players to use little or no backswing on the low volley. Before contact, the
racket face is slightly open, using the Continental grip, to help lift the ball over
the net with backspin. The backspin (also called underspin) will help the ball die
when it hits the ground. The opponent will have trouble trying to get under the
ball if the shot has a lot of backspin. The shot should have little or no followthrough.
If players swing, they will hit the ball too deep and the opponent will
be able to get to it and hit a passing shot. The racket should remain above the
wrist throughout the shot for optimum control. Dropping the racket head will
put the ball in the bottom of the net.
Tip
When faced with retrieving a low volley, players should try to hit high, deep
lob volleys right over the opponent’s backhand side. If the opponent is able to
return it, the player who hit the lob volley should be up at the net waiting to
take advantage of the attempted return and cream the put-away volley.
30 The Tennis Drill Book