Arguably, the volley is the most basic shot in tennis. However, many players still have issues when they use the shot as they attack the net. Even the greats miss easy volley shots after setting up a perfect attack stance that’s probably brought about by unscaled momentum, a faulty wrist, or a weak net game. Despite the many factors that can contribute to a foiled volley shot, there are many ways to fix this style of play.
Repetition plays a huge role in perfecting your volleys as you move forward to the net. Each time you set up an attack, it is crucial to train properly rather than simply rallying towards the middle. Every volley shot should have a purpose and the desired outcome and doing some drills can help improve your game.
The Bryan Brothers Volley Drill
One drill that stands out is based on the success of identical twins and the most successful doubles champions of all time, Bob and Mike Bryan. It involves factoring in key aspects of the volley including proper footwork, instinct, rapid reaction, and sharp accuracy.
When you’re in practice, start with your partner in the middle of your respective service lines and exchange a couple of volleys. Each of you will be hitting crosscourt while moving in opposite directions away from each other and when you both reach the alley, return to the center and do the same on the other side while still keeping the ball in play.
Stay low as you move laterally and don’t pop up. You can do this by keeping your hips in a square position to the net and avoid crowding the ball to have ample space for your lateral movement. Sharpen your reaction to anticipate where the ball will be coming from and work together with your partner to keep the ball going as long as you both can.
You may keep the drill going by feeding another ball right at the spot where you are both when a shot is missed. It’s important to develop your forearm, hand, and wrist action while at the same time rehearsing proper footwork until such time you can speed up your drills.
Ball Against the Wall
One enjoyable drill you can also do is the traditional ball against the wall drill. And if you think that this basic drill is just child’s play, take note that the current World Number 1 Novak Djokovic improved his shots by doing this since he was a kid. For one, it improves your groundstrokes, not to mention strengthening your forearms for those volley shots with better precision and a more compact swing.
To start with the drill, bounce the ball against the wall’s left and ride sides– 100 forehand volleys with the ball in constant play and then another 100 backhand volleys. If you miss, just pick up the ball and go at it again until you reach the hundred without breaking the drill. Create some distance during your first run and inch yourself closer to the wall to make it more challenging.
Remember to keep your wrists firm and in tiptop shape, and let your body weight fall on your front leg. Make small adjustments with your footwork and stay low so you’ll feel that burn in your legs as you squat. Don’t rush the drill by making your swings bigger and lock your eyes on the ball at all times as you move in closer to the wall.
Approach Shots Drill
If you want to focus on your net game via approach shots, you’ll have to master both your backhands and forehands as you move forward to the net. You’re not doing it right if, during a match, your opponent is still able to return your shot with a winner shot down the line while leaving you with a significant distance from the net. Always remember that your approach shots should always land near the baseline and be difficult enough for your opponent to execute a return as you make your way closer to the net.
Since approach shots belong in your offensive arsenal, you should practice hitting your shots from a short ball that falls closer to the service line than the baseline, and swing it deep in the other side of the court to force your opponent into a more defensive stance which you can put away with several volley returns.
To improve your approach shots, try the Hand Fed Approach Shot Drill by hitting as many balls as you can to get accustomed to your different ranges on the court. Turn your body quickly then move laterally towards the ball but avoid jumping and messing up your stance. Your goal is to move your body towards the target without sprinting straight to it and successfully hit the ball with much depth rather than power. Doing this drill should increase your racket head speed as you need to get the ball over the net with more topspin to land it on an area just short of the baseline.
You can use your approach shots as an effective setup where you can force a defensive ball from the other side of the court which you can answer with volleys as you go towards the net to win a point.
The Fake Poach
One thing you can work on when doing some approach drills is changing the pace of a game via a fake poach. This means that you’ll make it seem like you are working your way towards the net but in fact, just hanging back instead to surprise your opponent with a winner shot.
This style works best for doubles matches when you efficiently communicate it with your partner so that no surprises are made on your side of the court. During a practice match, work with your first step and make sure you get your opponent’s attention, letting them think you are going for a poach, then reposition at the net with your first step foot pushing off. Always be prepared for any returns, though, which usually come weaker to set you up for a winner down the baseline.
ความคิดเห็น