Introduction to the Tennis Volley
Tennis is a sport enjoyed by millions of people all around the world. It is a great way to stay active and have fun while competing. One of the main aspects of tennis is the volley, which is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. It is important to learn the basics of the tennis volley in order to improve your game. This article will focus on how to hit a tennis volley for beginners.
Getting Ready for the Volley
The first step in successfully hitting a tennis volley is to get ready for the shot. The player should be positioned in the center of the court, facing their opponent. The feet should be shoulder-width apart and the knees should be slightly bent. The racquet should be held in the ready position, with the frame parallel to the ground and the strings facing the opponent.
The Swing
When the ball is coming towards you, the swing should start with the racquet head just behind the ball. The racquet should then travel up and slightly forward, with the elbow bent and the wrist cocked back. At the same time, the player should step into the shot and shift their weight forward. As the racquet contacts the ball, the wrist should snap forward and the elbow should be fully extended.
Follow Through
After the ball has been hit, the player should follow through with the swing. The racquet should finish with the strings facing up, and the player should move their weight back onto their back foot. This will help maintain balance and control for the next shot.
Types of Volleys
There are several types of volleys that a player can hit. They include:
The Punch Volley
The punch volley is a shot that is hit with a shorter swing, with the racquet coming in contact with the ball at a higher point. This shot is used to keep the ball low and make it difficult for the opponent to hit it.
The Block Volley
The block volley is a shot that is hit with a flat racquet face and a short, compact swing. This shot is used to keep the ball in play and buy time for the player to recover.
The Lob Volley
The lob volley is a shot that is hit with a higher swing and more topspin. This shot is used to keep the ball in the air longer and give the player more time to recover.
The Drop Volley
The drop volley is a shot that is hit with a low, short swing. This shot is used to get the ball close to the net and make it difficult for the opponent to return.
Footwork
Good footwork is an important part of hitting a successful volley. The player should move quickly and efficiently towards the ball and be in the ready position as it is coming towards them. The player should also be aware of the court around them, so they can move to the right spot in order to hit the shot.
Timing
Timing is another important aspect of hitting a successful volley. The player should make contact with the ball as it is coming towards them, not when it has already bounced. This will give the ball more power and accuracy. The player should also be aware of their opponent’s shots and move to the right spot in order to make contact with the ball.
Practice
The best way to improve your tennis volley is to practice. The player should start by hitting slow volleys and gradually build up their speed and accuracy. They should also practice different types of volleys, such as the punch volley, the block volley, the lob volley, and the drop volley.
Conclusion
Hitting a successful tennis volley is a great way to improve your game. The player should get ready for the shot, have a good swing, and follow through with the swing. They should also be aware of the different types of volleys and practice them in order to become a better player. With enough practice and dedication, the player can become a great tennis volleying player.