Kyle LaCroix: The Serve and Volley Mentality

Serve and volley in its purest form is more than just a style of play. It is a philosophy and a way of life. It’s a similar to the commitment a pig makes to bacon.

Many coaches, players and fans will say that serve and volley is dead. I disagree. It may be endangered at the pro level. But it still can be a very effective strategy for the vast majority of players if, like any strategy, it’s executed properly.

I also believe that it can be successful on the tour. I’m well versed in the reasons why so many “tennis experts” believe that’s not true. They point to the racquet and string technology, the quality of athletes, the new levels of spin in the baseline game, the improvements in the return of serve, etc etc.

All these are avalid points. To me however, they are often used as excuses not to embark on a difficult path.

It’s always easier to make excuses than to make a commitment and an effort. In the future I think we will see a player or players emerge willing to do both.

Fundamental Differences

That said, if a player is going to develop a…