Low volley: split step- crossever step- knee bend

[toth]

If I schould volley a fast low incoming ball, I make the split step than the cross step and I have not enough time to bend the knee. So I have to bend my back.
Schould I make a big crossever step? So I would bend my knees automatically.
I tried and succeed to bend the knees at the split step- so I made than the cross step and my knees were alredy bent. I was not late to hit the low volley. But pros do not do this, this is why I think this is not the correct way.

I thank you for any advice

Toth

 

[TennisCJC]

I have never been one to think to much about step patterns.

Obviously, if the incoming ball is low and wide; you should naturally use a cross over step to get to the ball. But, if it is low and at or nearly at your body, you will not cross over and in fact your lead leg could step into an open stance.

I would simply focus on taking the strings to the ball and let the body follow. Yes, you want knee flex/bend on low ball but think of maintaining balance. Ideally, you should step forward for cross over or open stance and you should get a bit of shoulder turn too. In the act of stepping forward, you want to get knees bent/flexed to lower the body.

It is OK to let the racket head drop below the hand on low volleys but think of keep the angle between the racket had and the hitting arm constant. I you hit a chest high volley, you hand will be below contact. If you position the arm and racket in the chest high contact position, and the keep that angle as you bend and pull the arm closer to drop the racket, you will feel what I mean. The angle stays roughly constant but the head may drop below the had for contact.

 

[LeeD]

Try to close your stance, and always reach forwards rather than reaching back on low volleys. Keep your head steady and stalking the ball, upper body forwards.