volley technique-elbow position
- Thread starter 86golf
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johndagolfer
Professional
I find if I keep my elbows out I have an easier time volleying out in front.
Limpinhitter
G.O.A.T.
I think the elbow should be slightly bent and out front.
^^ I teach that, probably with 'somewhat' instead of slightly.
johndagolfer
Professional
I don't think he's saying stretching out forward for a standard volley. I find keeping the arms too close to the body confining, while too far away isn't as stable. I think you have to find a happy medium
PrinceMoron
Legend
Go and watch a seniors eg over 55 tournament like the invitation events at Wimbledon. On the practice courts you can see old school volleying from guys who learnt with wooden frames and have perfect technique.
On the practice courts you can get up really close to see these guys, unlike the current big names. Close enough to really see what they are doing.
The thing that struck me was how solid they are with the volleys, they don't just flick it around or let the racket do the work, they really do punch the ball.
On the practice courts you can get up really close to see these guys, unlike the current big names. Close enough to really see what they are doing.
The thing that struck me was how solid they are with the volleys, they don't just flick it around or let the racket do the work, they really do punch the ball.
ProgressoR
Hall of Fame
learning volleys myself, i am told as above, ie ready position is arms in front not tucked in, this helps me in the execution.
Also, re above point, i am being taught the normal volley should be a hard firm contact that really attacks the ball, and only be less aggressive if you are forced to be.
Also, re above point, i am being taught the normal volley should be a hard firm contact that really attacks the ball, and only be less aggressive if you are forced to be.
On the forehand side I like to see the elbow tucked in because it provides a little bit more stability. Having said that, keep in mind that probably two-thirds are going to be on your backhand - I like the elbow up on that side for several reasons. However, some teach differently on this - I get very good results so I'd be reluctant to change at this point.
Now, as with most other shots, this isn't a hard and fast rule that can be applied to all. I just find, especially on the FH side that when the elbow wanders away from the body, the player starts taking the ball too late, has a tendency to punch the ball long, mishits often, cannot change direction, lets the racquet head dip and so forth.
Now, as with most other shots, this isn't a hard and fast rule that can be applied to all. I just find, especially on the FH side that when the elbow wanders away from the body, the player starts taking the ball too late, has a tendency to punch the ball long, mishits often, cannot change direction, lets the racquet head dip and so forth.
(forehand volley ready position) Would it be far to say that elbow out is a more basic technique for those just learning and only block balls while the tucked elbow is more advanced for those that stick volleys? Seems like the better players tuck and the avg club player is more in front in the ready position. I say this bc if the elbow is tucked and you turn and step you have more opportunity for forward momentum if your elbow is tucked...confusing topic for me
yellowoctopus
Professional
I've always been taught to keep the elbow 'in front of' my body at contact, whether you start out that way or end up with it. Keeping the elbow tucked in in front of the body is a good way to remind people to use their legs. Even the pros use this technique at times.
That's the advice I give today.
That's the advice I give today.
I've always been taught to keep the elbow 'in front of' my body at contact, whether you start out that way or end up with it. Keeping the elbow tucked in in front of the body is a good way to remind people to use their legs. Even the pros use this technique at times.
That's the advice I give today.
Well, on the backhand side its going to be there anyway - in front of the body. On the forehand side, I like to see it tucked in and riding the ribcage forward. Is it in front of the entire body as compared to just one side - probably not. Are ther times when its out in front of the entire body - absolutely.
Stability is a factor here and I have found that when the elbow does not stay close to the body (forehand side) the shots are very inconsistent.
One advantage of keeping that elbow in front and past your hip is that your racket head will be able to reach further across your body, particularly on the forehand side when there is no time to slide to the side for volleys or switch to a backhand volley. That is why a lot of people direct shots at your right hip (for right handers). Many people fail to keep their elbow far enough forward to clear their hip on reflex volleys.
Keeping that elbow out in front allows for faster reflex volleys and all volleys in general.
I like to keep my elbow tucked into the front/right of my stomach for the above reason and when I see a volley I move the feet to get in position and stomp the opposite feet at the same time of the volley. You really want your feet to be doing most of the work on the volley. Keep them moving to prepare for the volley. My club pro calls this the "loud feet/quiet arms" analogy.
Keeping that elbow out in front allows for faster reflex volleys and all volleys in general.
I like to keep my elbow tucked into the front/right of my stomach for the above reason and when I see a volley I move the feet to get in position and stomp the opposite feet at the same time of the volley. You really want your feet to be doing most of the work on the volley. Keep them moving to prepare for the volley. My club pro calls this the "loud feet/quiet arms" analogy.
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