Mastering the Tennis Volley: Techniques and Tips

Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts! Sarah here, your friendly neighborhood tennis coach. You know, I was in Ottawa the other day, coaching a private session at the Rideau Tennis Club (a lovely spot, by the way). My student was struggling with her volley - a common challenge I see a lot in my work. It reminded me of the time I spent in Quebec, where they have this unique way of calling the volley - 'la volée'. I guess that's just one of the many quirks you pick up when traveling across Canada, eh? So, let's dive into it: the art of the tennis volley.

Understanding the Volley

The volley, or 'la volée' as my Quebecois friends would say, isn't just about wacking the ball before it bounces. It's about finesse, timing, and, believe it or not, a lot of mental toughness. When I tore my ACL at 19, I had to relearn a lot of my techniques during my 18-month rehab, and the volley was one of the toughest.

The Grip

A good volley starts with the correct grip. And remember, safety first! An ill-fitting grip can lead to tennis elbow or wrist strain. So, if you're shopping at Canadian Tire or Sport Chek, make sure you're getting the right size. I'd recommend a grip size between 4 1/8” and 4 5/8” for most adult players.

The Swing

Your swing in a volley is different from your ground strokes. It's more of a punch than a swing, really. The trick is to keep it short and sweet.

Essential Volley Techniques

Improving your volley game doesn't have to be rocket science. It's all about practicing the right techniques, and having the right mindset.

Court Positioning

Positioning yourself correctly can make or break your volley. Try to always stay on your toes, ready to pounce on the ball.

Common Mistakes

We've all been there, making mistakes and learning from them. Some common ones include hitting the ball too hard or not watching it all the way onto your racquet.

Improving Your Volley Game

Just like any skill, improving your volley game requires practice and patience. And if you're looking for someone to practice with, check out Racqix. It's a great platform for finding matches and partners in your area.