above head high backhand volleys

[rockbox]

I am having the worse time getting any kind of punch on volleys on my backhand side above head level. I don't have problems with backhand smashes, just volleys. I don't seem to get any leverage on the racquet and my balls just flutters towards the baseline. Any tips on how to handle these?

[LuckyR]

Others may disagree, but I would say that this is one of the rare shots where your setup will dramatically help you. That is: I no longer have this problem after lead weighting the hoop.

[Rafael_Nadal_6257]

Lock your wrist and focus on punching the volley.

You could also just hit a high-percentage volley to set-up for a more aggressive, easier volley.

[paulfreda]

The key to this shot is not to go for pace but for placement.
If you can square up your stance that will help.
Also a continential grip tends to have an open face. Since a high ball is usually moving slowly [or it will be an out ball] you have time to change your grip to semi western which will make it much much easier to hit cleanly without bending your wrist in a weak position.

Square up, place the ball and change to a stronger grip.

[tennisdad65]

The key to this shot is not to go for pace but for placement.
If you can square up your stance that will help.
Also a continential grip tends to have an open face. Since a high ball is usually moving slowly [or it will be an out ball] you have time to change your grip to semi western which will make it much much easier to hit cleanly without bending your wrist in a weak position.

Square up, place the ball and change to a stronger grip.

I would not recommend changing grip during volleying just for 1 specific slow high backhand volley? :???:
Better to stick with continental and practice this shot a few hundred times.
moving into the volley even about 6-12 inches will get you decent power on it...

[rosewall4ever]

supinate...'flick' the forearm so it rotates left to right..imagine a backfist, with the wrist firm at contact.

[rockbox]

Thanks for the replies. I will try square up more and imagining a backfist.

[EricW]

supinate...'flick' the forearm so it rotates left to right..imagine a backfist, with the wrist firm at contact.

Worst advice you can give. The forearm should NOT supinate during any type of volley.

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This is a hard shot to become consistently aggressive with, and the main pitfall is forearm supination.

[Nellie]

do not bend the wrist!, punch up and through the ball with a slightly open, but most square racquet face, and make sure you take a good step forward during contact.

[toughshot]

most likely you're late

Whether it be a shallow lob that you can snap your wrist on an overhead, or a high floater than you can just move through, you're probably late which is why you're losing power