Volley Masterclass

Key Points

• Athletic stance with a wide base, knees bent and your paddle out in front
• Consider using the “1 grip system” when in the kitchen area, as discussed in the “Grips” video on Megan and Ryler’s profile
• Always assume that any ball could be sped up and hit hard towards you, and keep your hands and paddle right out in front of your body
• 80% of your volleys in the kitchen should be backhands, as the forehand can be cramped and cause errors
• Ready position around 10 o’clock in the backhand position
• “Catch” and “Punch” the ball out in front like a goalkeeper in soccer
• If the ball is lower, bend your knees and open up the paddle face with your wrist to get under the ball, trying not to pop the ball up and leave yourself open
• When the ball is higher, close your paddle face a little more and use more of a “flick” to generate a bit more spin
• “Flick” and “Spin” volleys are becoming more popular as the most effective way to hit volleys
• How much time you have at the net dictates whether you can change grips and hit topspin or underspin
• Try and keep your volleys low and unattackable