The Backhand Volley: Variations

Different heights, different levels of spin, different directions. How?

In the last article, we used high speed video from Advanced Tennis Research to break down the backhand volley of top players into its component parts. We also contrasted these basic components to those in the forehand volley, and saw the key similarities and differences. (Click Here.)

Now let’s look at the full range of backhand volley variations: high volleys, low volleys, volleys hit with different levels of spin and pace, and volleys hit in different directions. Let’s see how the top players put all the parts together, and what combinations they use when.

Reviewing the Components

First let’s review the basic components. We saw that on the backhand volley–like the forehand volley and the groundstrokes–the preparation begins with the feet and torso, turning the body sideways, and at the same time, starting the movement of the racket. On the backhand volley this turning motion continues until the line of the shoulders is 60 to 90 degrees to the net, depending on the ball.

The hitting arm position, the backswing, and backward rotation of the hitting arm structure.

Early in the motion, the players set up the hitting arm position. This…