Drive volleys

[anchorage]

Playing a match today, I won a number of points with drive volleys. Seems a pretty effective shot to have. Every one, though, was on the forehand side where it felt comfortable basically using the normal forehand swing but taking the ball closer to shoulder height.

I didn't take on any backhand drive volleys but I would guess the same principles apply. My thought, though, is that it's maybe a bit less 'natural' (easy to execute) than the forehand drive; any tips?

 

[LeeD]

Most pro level volleyers use a conti grip with a slight EFH twist.
So for backhand volleys, more shoulder turn, longer backswing, more forward swing, longer followthru with forward motion IF you have time.
For pure fast reflex volleys, it's hit flat with the back of the hand, stuck out and angled.

 

[anchorage]

Thanks Lee.

I'm actually thinking more of the shot further back in the court. For example, you might be trading ground strokes from the back of the court. Your opponent then hits a higher than normal ball which has a little less pace but is still quite deep. You can certainly let it bounce and play it normally or you can step in, probably get to about the service line, and hit the drive volley, which is obviously far more aggressive.

You've got more margin for error if you take the ball out of the air a bit higher than the normal ground stroke, maybe shoulder high with a bit of top spin. Thinking about it, the same's going to apply on the backhand side; stay totally side on through the shot and drive through it. ... something new to practice.

 

[sennoc]

Drive volleys with continental grip? How is it possible? I understand normal volleys, but drive volleys?

 

[LeeD]

If it's the topspin forehand volley from NML, then the backhand side can be 2hbh topspin, or 1hbh sliced like a normal volley.
1hfh topspin is for the SW grippers who would rather hit a forcing or winner rather than an approach volley.

 

[halalula1234]

i find this shot quite hard to do consistently especially if the ball is falling down fast. most of the time i normal volley it.. but the swing volley looks really good when done like the pros haha. i find my 1hbh swing volley easier to hit than the fh side and i dont make many errors with that show but i dont see any pros using it so idk if its a good shot to have.

 

[sennoc]

If it's the topspin forehand volley from NML, then the backhand side can be 2hbh topspin, or 1hbh sliced like a normal volley.
1hfh topspin is for the SW grippers who would rather hit a forcing or winner rather than an approach volley.

I always thought that drive volleys are lifts or topspins... I stay at this definition.

 

[LeeD]

The tall women seem to hit lots of drive volleys, off both sides. Serena, Venus, and Maria seem to be hitting them all the time. They are going for outright winners, of course.
When Fed or Nadal do it, it's mostly forehand side.

 

[yemenmocha]

I hate this modification to the game and applaud obnoxiously loud whenever they miss that shot, especially if the player is known to not be a good volleyer (Williams sisters, etc)

It is an insult to the volley.

 

[Bacterio]

I hate this modification to the game and applaud obnoxiously loud whenever they miss that shot, especially if the player is known to not be a good volleyer (Williams sisters, etc)

It is an insult to the volley.

I was under the impression Venus was considered one of the if not the best volleyers in the women's game. Part of the reason her and Serena do so well in doubles.