Hitting mid height volleys

[tennisdad65]

I have noticed that most of my volleying errors are for mid height volleys going long.

I am classifying Mid height as being from ~waist to ~shoulder height.

My tendency on these volleys is a slightly open faced racquet and I try to put some underspin on it, and follow through a bit, aiming follow through to the top of the net. In doubles, for faster paced balls this tends to send the ball long, normally when I do not time the underspin right.

What is the best / recommended volleying technique for MID height volleys:
1) flat face with punch through
2) flat face with some underspin on follow through
3) slightly open face with some underspin (this is what I try to do)
4) slightly open face with a solid step/punch into the ball.

 

[TommyGNR]

I think your technique (#3) is the correct method. Sounds like you are just aiming too high. Usually people have trouble hitting volleys with deep penatration. If you could shorten them up a little you would have a nice weapon!

 

[mikeler]

I used to be an option 3 volleyer, but I found that by putting underspin on the ball, I was typically hitting a less aggressive volley. So lately I've been using option 1 and my volleys are much more penetrating and they seem to stay in the court more. I play 95% of my matches on clay, so you have to be pretty aggressive due to the slow surface. Of course on drop volleys, I have to use some underspin.

Also be aware of your eye contact. Since these volleys are in your strike zone, you are more likely to be a little lazy with focusing on the ball versus say a high volley.

 

[Nellie]

How about option 3(a) - Open face with a solid step/punch into the ball.

But, It sounds to me like you need more knee bend.

 

[tennisdad65]

How about option 3(a) - Open face with a solid step/punch into the ball.

But, It sounds to me like you need more knee bend.

I edited my original post to add option 3(a) as option 4.

I bend my creaky old arthritic knees on low volleys but rarely do so on mid height volleys.

 

[tennisdad65]

how did edberg hit his mid height volleys? open face with underspin?

I think mac hit his with a flat face and hit them flat.

 

[mikeler]

What feels natural to you? Try all the techniques you listed in real match situations. A little bit of underspin is fine, you just don't want to be overly obsessed with spin on volleys. If you are getting to the net, take an aggressive mindset that you are up there to win the point. Think punch and you'll probably hit a decent volley, but actually impart some backspin in the process. My 2 cents. Good luck!

 

[bet]

What feels natural to you? Try all the techniques you listed in real match situations. A little bit of underspin is fine, you just don't want to be overly obsessed with spin on volleys. If you are getting to the net, take an aggressive mindset that you are up there to win the point. Think punch and you'll probably hit a decent volley, but actually impart some backspin in the process. My 2 cents. Good luck!

This is quite correct. You don't hear much about this these days, particularly with the emphasis on grounstrokes and more groundstrokes, but this debate used to be active among tennis pros/experts in the "olden" days. Some say, there is absolutely no reason to require underspin on a higher volley, in fact, it is more likely to go long then. Others say the underspin will give it "control". I think you will generally find that most advanced volleyers hit with a flat or slightly open face and a touch of underspin. But really, this isn't because they are purposely thinking, "I'll underspin this a touch!!", it's simply a function of the continental grip!

If you actually think "underspin", usually students get a really lousy, not cleanly struck, volley with no penetration. As Mikeler says, think "punch" and "solid" and you'll automatically get a shade of underspin.

PS. As somebody else pointed out, yes, Mac used to hit many high volleys quite flat, especially on his forehand.

PSS. Mikeler, the few posts I've read from you have been spot-on. You obviously play the game and are not a hack or text-book wannabee teacher as is common here. Good stuff.

 

[Off The Wall]

I have noticed that most of my volleying errors are for mid height volleys going long.

I am classifying Mid height as being from ~waist to ~shoulder height.

My tendency on these volleys is a slightly open faced racquet and I try to put some underspin on it, and follow through a bit, aiming follow through to the top of the net. In doubles, for faster paced balls this tends to send the ball long, normally when I do not time the underspin right.

What is the best / recommended volleying technique for MID height volleys:
1) flat face with punch through
2) flat face with some underspin on follow through
3) slightly open face with some underspin (this is what I try to do)
4) slightly open face with a solid step/punch into the ball.

You want solid contact. The more solid the contact, the better 'feel' you will have for your shot. Therefore, I see no reason to put underspin on the ball.

#4 is closest to what you want. And you don't need a "solid step/punch into the ball." If I understand you correctly. If a fast paced ball is coming to you, and you attempt the "solid step/punch into the ball" scenario, at the same time trying to put underspin on it, the ball should go long.

Use #4, but don't automatically step and punch solidly. Move judiciously and opportunistically. Use opponent's power and instead, concentrate on solid contact and placement.

 

[mikeler]

Bet,

Thank you for the kind words. I enjoy reading your posts too. You have a deep understanding of the game of tennis.

I'm a 5.0 who plays 5 times a week and I string my own rackets. I want to play the best people I can find. You learn more from your losses than your victories. PUNCH that volley!

 

[Ballinbob]

I agree with Mikeler. I'm a 4.0 serve and volley player and I find that a solid step into the ball with a short punch will do the trick. The only time you should actually *focus* on putting underspin is for drop volleys. Otherwise I suggest taking everyone else's advice and stick with #4

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I shank a lot of volleys because i look towards my target instead. I find that my best hit volleys happen when I make sure I make solid contact. When that happens, everything else seems to fall into place.

One of the things near the top of my priorities is becoming a better volleyer because I want to become a serve and volley/all court player.

Volleys are overlooked by many these days.

And I agree, play with people better than you.