Volley Lessons From Pat Rafter's Coach

Key Points

• Try and get your racket as close to the eyes as possible, with a deep knee bend
• Keep the racket as far out in front of your body as you can
• Your racket should stay in line with the ball, so you can get behind and then hit through the shot
• Stay completely still and balanced while hitting your volleys
• Develop your fitness and leg strength so you can stay as low as possible when you’re at the net
• Use your shoulders through the shot to generate more pace
• Move Forward before your opponent is about to hit the ball so you can get closer to the net and hit more volleys above the level of the net
• Anticipate as early as possible where your opponent will hit the ball and start moving before they hit
• Mix up volleys and smashes to help with perception and anticipation