Serve & Volley Tactics: Use This Surprise Play to Break Opponents’ Rhythm

Key Points

• Use It as a Surprise Weapon

  • Best used on big points (e.g. 40–30, 40–love) when the returner is under pressure

  • Returners tend to play safe, high returns in these situations – ideal for attacking the net

  • Creates chances to finish with easy volleys

• Key Execution Tips

  • Commit before you serve – no hesitation

  • Toss the ball forward to give yourself a head start moving in

  • Serve out of the opponent’s strike zone to reduce their ability to hit an aggressive return

• Volley Execution

  • Don’t focus on pace – focus on angle and control

  • Get as close to the net as possible before hitting the volley

  • Look for short angles to finish the point once you pull the returner wide or off balance

   

• Why It Works

  • Returner is already under pressure → safer, weaker returns

  • You take time away and dictate with positioning

  • Great tool to keep opponents guessing and break up rhythm