Spacing: Swing Volleys

On swing volleys I believe you should use normal approach shot footwork in most situations. This means a semi-open to neutral stance to allow easier movement through the shot and generation of topspin.

About two thirds of all pro swing volleys are hit with some type of open stance. (For an alternative view of Swing Volley footwork from Chris Lewit, Click Here.)

After contact, as with a regular approach, the outside leg will swing around the inside leg. If you are moving at an angle, this may change.

If the inside leg hits the ground prior to or almost immediately after contact, then that leg is the axis of rotation. You will see the same technique used on shots where a player serves, the opponent returns down the middle and the server steps forward and attacks the next ball.

Swing volleys and groundstrokes hit rotating around the inside leg are more prevalent in the women’s game. On some swing volleys, the outside leg is the axis of rotation and the player lands on the inside leg after contact.

Swing volley spacing can depend on the direction and amount of movement and also the amount of time. If you make a…