Private LessonsThe Volley: Part 2

Part one of this article dealt with what a successful volleyer needs to do prior to the ball being hit towards him. In a nutshell: be really ready! But now that the ball is on its way, what comes next? Obviously, there are mechanical and tactical considerations that are determined in great part by the variables of the ball you’re dealing with, and where your opponent is subsequent to making his shot. But in this second article, let’s start with the mechanics of the basic forehand and backhand volleys.

Probably the most misunderstood part of volley mechanics is what I call, “the arm frameworks.” The arm framework positions your racquet in relation to your body and also to the oncoming ball. Unless the ball is exceptionally high, low, or wide, the key to the framework for both the forehand and backhand volleys is the position of your hands, and your elbows in the ready position.

Remember that the ready position entails having the elbows comfortably in front of your hips with the racquet head below eye level and above wrist level. Your elbows should always be bent and your hitting wrist should be “back against itself,” or at a slight…