lisaburton
Rookie
I have access to a ball machine and would like to know what exercises I can do to improve my volleys. The machine does not oscilate
Ken
Ken
Use of a Ball Machine to Imrprove Volleys
- Thread starter lisaburton
- Start date
WildVolley
Legend
You can definitely help groove your basic technique using a ball machine. Start with just blocking the ball back (not set for a low passing shot), and then work on hitting the corners (within 5-10'). You certainly can learn how to keep your wrist firm when blocking back a hard passing shot and how to direct the same ball to one side or another with just a small change in your technique. If you want to use a continental on both sides, you can also refine your hitting angle until you get it right.
I'd also advise for you to step forward into the volley, don't just stand in one place. Unfortunately in my experience, it is difficult to practice a quick little split step because, with a ball machine, the ball seems to come out of nowhere, rather than allowing you to react to a swing.
You can also work on angles and drop volleys with backspin. Once I'm warm, I'll try a volley down the line deep, cross court deep. Drop volley down the line, drop volley cross court, etc. - one after the other. If I can run the cycle a few times I feel confident.
Good luck.
I'd also advise for you to step forward into the volley, don't just stand in one place. Unfortunately in my experience, it is difficult to practice a quick little split step because, with a ball machine, the ball seems to come out of nowhere, rather than allowing you to react to a swing.
You can also work on angles and drop volleys with backspin. Once I'm warm, I'll try a volley down the line deep, cross court deep. Drop volley down the line, drop volley cross court, etc. - one after the other. If I can run the cycle a few times I feel confident.
Good luck.
lisaburton
Rookie
Robert,
The first shot from the baseline would be a ground stroke, but after I step forward two steps I would be hitting a volley, correct?. or would that be more of a half volley. As I keep moving in I will have to hit the ball as a volley..correct?
Off The Wall
Semi-Pro
Shield
Don't forget to aim the machine at your body so you'll learn how to protect yourself.
Don't forget to aim the machine at your body so you'll learn how to protect yourself.
lisaburton
Rookie
You stated "not set for a low passing shot".. did you mean to aim the ball machine about shoulder level? Also the last poster said to start at the baseline hit and shot, take a few steps and move forward..hit a shot, take another 2 steps and hit and shot and close on to net and hit volley... I assume that all the shots after the initial baseline one would ALL be volleys?
Thanks, Ken
zapvor
G.O.A.T.
i finally got to hit against a ball machine recently and its so much fun! i got ***** the first time. i did a tad better the 2nd time. it is not as easy as it looks. the ball machine i hit with was a very nice top of the line one too. insane. as the woman points out, it will 'become your best friend'
BravoRed691
Semi-Pro
Since the machine cannot turn, why don't you?! just jump from forehand to backhand side to side ... and incorporate the up and back movement everyone else has mentioned!
WildVolley
Legend
Well, I advised to put it about shoulder level because it is easier to warm up at that level and get a feel for your volley before setting it for dipping shots that are below the net. It is worth practicing the dipping passing shot, but as it is a more advanced volley, it wouldn't be something I'd prefer to start with if I were looking to improve my volleys.
Supernatural_Serve
Professional
You can do lots of drills with the machine:
Classic volleys
Ones with backspin on them that bounce low
going both:
Deep cross court or down the line
and then Short angle volleys
and work on
Drop/Touch volleys too
Doubles volleys - cross court at your opponent's feet near the service line both wide and down the T
doing 2 shot volleys - the first is the set-up volley nice and deep and the other is the angle volley putting them away with authority
Do them up at the net, in the middle of the box, and from your service line. Mix up all your volley locations
Then, like chess9 said, continously moving forward. Throw in an occasional swinging volley if you like
Then do all the above with the backhand volleys
Then do the same with some top-spin and pace on the balls. The only thing that changes is your reaction time, the softness of your hands, and good attention to bending those legs and not leaning or being off balance
Put some targets/cones out there and really focus on hitting your targets.
There is nothing like hitting dozens and dozens of volleys with good form at targets to make you automatic at the net.
Classic volleys
Ones with backspin on them that bounce low
going both:
Deep cross court or down the line
and then Short angle volleys
and work on
Drop/Touch volleys too
Doubles volleys - cross court at your opponent's feet near the service line both wide and down the T
doing 2 shot volleys - the first is the set-up volley nice and deep and the other is the angle volley putting them away with authority
Do them up at the net, in the middle of the box, and from your service line. Mix up all your volley locations
Then, like chess9 said, continously moving forward. Throw in an occasional swinging volley if you like
Then do all the above with the backhand volleys
Then do the same with some top-spin and pace on the balls. The only thing that changes is your reaction time, the softness of your hands, and good attention to bending those legs and not leaning or being off balance
Put some targets/cones out there and really focus on hitting your targets.
There is nothing like hitting dozens and dozens of volleys with good form at targets to make you automatic at the net.
