Why does no one topspin their volleys?

[WildVolley]

Originally Posted by _craze

If you are a 4.5 computer rate, then you are not necessaily a 4.5 player.

Just sayin' . . .

Actually, the real definition at the moment is the computer rating and has nothing at all to do with the description of playing. So if she's a computer rated a 4.5, then she's a 4.5.

In any case, we are getting far afield. I don't know why any of these threads are reasons for people to insult each other.

Technique is not a religion. The only important thing is whether or not it works (though secondary considerations like tending to cause injury can come into play).

I've explained why I don't think trying to hit topspin on most volleys would be successful, but I'm willing to experiment and see why it might be useful. Let's wait for the video and try it ourselves on the court.

[Cindysphinx]

You're gonna wait a long time for that video . . . .

[RoddickAce]

One of my friends can actually consistently pull off really good angles with topspin volleys, landing basically 1 foot from the net. If in the right position and pulled off correctly, I think it actually IS a more effective shot than the slice since it exits the court quicker. (not off of huge passing shots but on moderate pace shots)

[_craze]

Originally Posted by WildVolley

Actually, the real definition at the moment is the computer rating and has nothing at all to do with the description of playing. So if she's a computer rated a 4.5, then she's a 4.5.

In any case, we are getting far afield. I don't know why any of these threads are reasons for people to insult each other.

Technique is not a religion. The only important thing is whether or not it works (though secondary considerations like tending to cause injury can come into play).

I've explained why I don't think trying to hit topspin on most volleys would be successful, but I'm willing to experiment and see why it might be useful. Let's wait for the video and try it ourselves on the court.

Any person can play and deceive the computer to get their rank. When their qualities don't match the descriptions against a fair challenge, it's easy to see.

A much better/experienced player or an honest self-rate will always beat a computer going based on match results. Subjective, again, but if I hit my best and you see there's a reason I'm not at my given level, I won't outright deny it.

As for the video, I'll try to see if I can get court time tonight. If I do have the video, I'll upload it. If not, I won't post anymore.

[_craze]

Originally Posted by RoddickAce

One of my friends can actually consistently pull off really good angles with topspin volleys, landing basically 1 foot from the net. If in the right position and pulled off correctly, I think it actually IS a more effective shot than the slice since it exits the court quicker. (not off of huge passing shots but on moderate pace shots)

Yep, and it should be even more effective against a shot with more pace. If he's hitting angles like that, so consistently, I'd think it was on purpose.

[WildVolley]

Originally Posted by _craze

Any person can play and deceive the computer to get their rank. When their qualities don't match the descriptions against a fair challenge, it's easy to see.

A much better/experienced player or an honest self-rate will always beat a computer going based on match results. Subjective, again, but if I hit my best and you see there's a reason I'm not at my given level, I won't outright deny it.

As for the video, I'll try to see if I can get court time tonight. If I do have the video, I'll upload it. If not, I won't post anymore.

OK, I get your point. A player can sandbag and get a NTRP below his or her actual level. On the other hand, if you self-rate above your level you'll probably not have wins at a given level. A 3.5 isn't going to be able to maintain a 4.5 computer rating.

[psv255]

Having thought about this a bit, and I can totally see someone pulling this shot off; the biggest problem is timing and handling pace (which go somewhat hand in hand).

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

Originally Posted by _craze

Because your conditioning, hopeless slice, and lack of experience in working with a shot makes you so sagacious.

Get over yourself and hit the shot. If not = "lazy". Besides, technical know-how isn't linear: many of the posters here know more about form than touring pros. It's something that gets more instinctive as you get better.

@zapvor: I'll try my best. Thanks.

my name is a joke, actually. I have a pretty decent all around game, but without doubt my best shot is my BH slice approach shot.

I have also made my living as a coach for many years, and have a number of ex pupils playing College tennis on free rides, so I have had the opportunity to try pretty much every shot there is. I experimented with your silly little TS volley last night actually. It's possible, off weak balls, but it's pointless. A TS volley spends more time in the air and bounces higher. Both negatives in any context.

Most amusing that you use JMac as an example. He was certainly unorthodox and prepared to try anything, and even he never bothered with a topspin volley!

[LeeD]

Very little advantage of topspin volley vs traditional deep sliced volleys.
You're inside NML.
Opponent doesn't have time to react.
All this swinging volley craze from the WTA and ATP pros, that high volley is a winner with a traditional volley!!!!

[Relinquis]

what about lob volleys? why does no one lob their volleys?

[LeeD]

Why not hit a really high lob with huge backspin very close to the net, so the opposing player has to reach over the net to hit the ball? Then call him on it and for running into the net.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by Relinquis

what about lob volleys? why does no one lob their volleys?

They do. It is called a "lob volley."

I hit them all the time, but never on purpose. It happens when I hit a volley and don't recover fast enough. My racket is down, the opponent puts the bll at my feet, and it pops up over their head for a winner.

Don't try this at home. Or anywhere else.

[NLBwell]

I'll generally hit 1 or two lob volleys per doubles match.

[thecode]

most want their volley to skid & stay low, not hop up like topspin shots often do

[gmatheis]

I think the OP is on to something great here ... the rest of the tennis world is totally wrong.

Roger's records are indeed in jeapardy now!

[LeeD]

I probably hit between 3-4 lob volleys each set.
I usually play with weak hitting old folks, on my team, while the other team is usually young guns who like to poach.
My partner hits a weak ball to the netperson, I step one step to the middle and lob volley off my shoetops.
Since I can't run, my defense is defending the shots my racket can actually reach.

[zapvor]

Originally Posted by _craze

My serve is weak now and I have no grip or glasses, but I won't make excuses beyond that. I might use one of my alternate racquets.

But first I have to make sure I get court time. If it turns out I'm a 2.5-3.0 level to this board, that's okay, since I only worry about my own, fluctuating self-rate and how well I perform in matches.

no worries. we dont need any serves at all. lets stay on topic. just video of the topspin volley only to amaze us all! (and shut the critics up).

[LeeD]

Today at the courts I hit FOUR lob volleys on one point alone. Against old farts who can't run or change directions.
And yes, level of play makes a huge difference, but this guy I mentioned who hit topspin volleys off both sides is about a 4.5 doubles player. Topspin with some sidespin added for a mishit volley that is very effective and consistent. Strong W grip, same face of the racket, not Kiteboard.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by zapvor

no worries. we dont need any serves at all. lets stay on topic. just video of the topspin volley only to amaze us all! (and shut the critics up).

My goodness. Nice sleuthing, Zap.

You can tell self-rates who claim to be 4.5s but really aren't. They give themselves away by getting rude and nasty to anyone who questions their self-rate.

Still waitin' for that video of a mad skillz topspin volley . . . .

[TheCheese]

OP, can you just post the video so we at least know what you're talking about?

Besides a half volley I've never seen someone purposely try to topspin a normal volley.