Serve & Volley - who's the best

jrs · 03-16-2013, 12:29 PM

Recently found out the Tennis folks back in the 40's changed the rules to prevent Pancho Gonzales from serving volleying. They changed the rule - the server has to let the ball bounce before hitting it again.

I was wondering how does his S/V game compare with that of Rod Laver, Peter Sampras and Roger Federer.

I've never seen Gonzales or Laver play (Laver maybe but well past his prime).

Jeffrey573639 · 03-16-2013, 12:38 PM

Why did you make two threads

gavna · 03-16-2013, 01:01 PM

Pancho was huge off he serve - he was tall and he played like Jack Kramer "the Big Game"

Had great hands and one of the best half volleys ever........played a power game but was fast and quick - he was Boom Boom 40 years before Nexker. And unlike those you mentioned Pancho also had a HUGE mean streak and played with a big chip on his shoulder - none of this phoney tough guy stuff we see in his era - Pancho was tough as nails.

jrs · 03-16-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffrey573639

Why did you make two threads

The other thread was about GOAT - this is about learning more about his serve and volley. Can't see why they would have to change the rule just to prevent him from his game.

jrs · 03-16-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavna

Pancho was huge off he serve - he was tall and he played like Jack Kramer "the Big Game"

Had great hands and one of the best half volleys ever........played a power game but was fast and quick - he was Boom Boom 40 years before Nexker. And unlike those you mentioned Pancho also had a HUGE mean streak and played with a big chip on his shoulder - none of this phoney tough guy stuff we see in his era - Pancho was tough as nails.

Interesting you mentioned Becker forgot all about him. I guess he was more of pure serve and volleyer compared to Federer or Sampras.

Net47 · 03-16-2013, 04:05 PM

Not sure why Federer is mentioned in a serve-volleyer thread. He isn't one, unlike Sampras. And of course there's McEnroe.

Mick3391 · 03-16-2013, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrs

Recently found out the Tennis folks back in the 40's changed the rules to prevent Pancho Gonzales from serving volleying. They changed the rule - the server has to let the ball bounce before hitting it again.

I was wondering how does his S/V game compare with that of Rod Laver, Peter Sampras and Roger Federer.

I've never seen Gonzales or Laver play (Laver maybe but well past his prime).

I don't know, but you should watch Laver on Youtube, watch him against Conners, the dude was AWESOME. I used to think he was just this above average overrated venerable guy, no way, this dude was a killer.

jrs · 03-16-2013, 05:28 PM

That pretty good match. Obviously Laver was way past his prime - but the man came in on everything. I guess my understanding of serve & volley needs to be updated!

TheRed · 03-16-2013, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Net47

Not sure why Federer is mentioned in a serve-volleyer thread. He isn't one, unlike Sampras. And of course there's McEnroe.

Sampras wasn't a serve and volleyer either. He only did it a lot at Wimbledon. Outside of that, he picked his spots. He was an all courter.

Relinquis · 03-16-2013, 07:49 PM

Llodra is a better serve/volleyer than Federer in my opinion... then again, it's all he does.

Rafter was a great serve and volleyer as well. Tennis today is so full of pushers and the odd baseline bashers that we think of Federer as a top serve and volley guy.

SassyRamirez · 03-16-2013, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relinquis

Llodra is a better serve/volleyer than Federer in my opinion... then again, it's all he does.

Rafter was a great serve and volleyer as well. Tennis today is so full of pushers and the odd baseline bashers that we think of Federer as a top serve and volley guy.

Well, it kinda goes without saying that Llodra is a better S&V'er than Fed; so is Stepanek for that matter..

Net47 · 03-16-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRed

Sampras wasn't a serve and volleyer either. He only did it a lot at Wimbledon. Outside of that, he picked his spots. He was an all courter.

Really. Lol.

TheRed · 03-17-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Net47

Really. Lol.

Nice retort. Let me laugh too so we'll have a very interesting debate.

coloskier · 03-17-2013, 05:31 AM

Can't forget Edberg. And yes, Sampras had one of the most feared running crosscourt forehands on tour in his time. Many a time Agassi would get baited into going down the line, only to watch the ball zip past him crosscourt.

03-16-2013, 12:29 PM	#1
jrs Semi-Pro Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 531	Serve & Volley - who's the best Recently found out the Tennis folks back in the 40's changed the rules to prevent Pancho Gonzales from serving volleying. They changed the rule - the server has to let the ball bounce before hitting it again. I was wondering how does his S/V game compare with that of Rod Laver, Peter Sampras and Roger Federer. I've never seen Gonzales or Laver play (Laver maybe but well past his prime).

03-16-2013, 12:38 PM	#2
Jeffrey573639 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 330	Why did you make two threads __________________ GODMODEYEYE FOR CYGS 2014!!!!!

03-16-2013, 07:49 PM	#10
Relinquis Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: On the courts; hard & clay ... Posts: 4,323	Llodra is a better serve/volleyer than Federer in my opinion... then again, it's all he does. Rafter was a great serve and volleyer as well. Tennis today is so full of pushers and the odd baseline bashers that we think of Federer as a top serve and volley guy. __________________ Disclaimer: I'm NOT a coach... Real tennis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDqnkLJ9BtM

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