Pat Cash on the Volley – Part 1

Jim Courier put it this way. “Pat Cash is such a beautiful volleyer. If he gets his hands on anything at the net, then it seems the point’s over.”

History

Spencer Gore, a well-to-do businessman and avid cricketer, won the inaugural Wimbledon in 1877 by boldly rushing the net and volleying. Some thought this effective tactic so unsporting they tried to ban it. Fortunately, better judgment prevailed. Ever since, the volley has proved a major stroke in the arsenal of attacking players.

Nothing is more satisfying and fun in tennis than setting up a point and finishing off your opponent with a decisive volley. This century Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Justine Henin have exemplified that with groundstrokes and volleys. And before them, Roy Emerson, Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe, and Stefan Edberg served and volleyed artfully.

These champions have thrilled us with lunging and leaping volleys that shoot like a laser or float like a feather—directed diabolically so that their foes cannot reach them. How do they volley so skillfully against world-class passing shots and serve returns?

I asked 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, now a renowned coach, to explain the fundamentals and fine points…