Teaching the Volley and Transition Play to Beginners

Key Points

• The volley is a very easy stroke to learn if you follow the correct fundamentals
• When first teaching the volley to complete beginners, it’s fine to start with a semi western grip with an open racket face
• Once the player has the fundamentals and wants to learn, then change to the correct volley grip
• The grip should be a straight line from the tip of the racket, through to the arm, and finishing at the shoulder
• Players will find the exact grip between eastern and continental using the parameters above
• A little slice on the volley with a slightly open racket face helps control the ball
• Racket face slightly open and out in front and then step into the ball and hit
• Introducing the concept of the 3 areas of the court by feeding 2 at the baseline, service line and net, helps young players learn transition play