The volley

The volley is one of the most important shots in winning a point. Up at the net, a player has a much better chance of commanding the ball, and therefore, winning the point. After the approach shot (which I will discuss later) you should be at the net. What I mean by this, is that your position in the court should be more than halfway up. The easiest way to find out where you should run to, or stand for volleys, is one racquet's length plus two steps back from the net. This means that you should be above the service line, but not right on top of the net.

To start your volley, we start with your ready stance and grip. Your feet should be a little more than shoulder length apart, knees bent, heels off the ground, ready to move. This should sound familiar because your ready position should be the similar to at the baseline. However, the difference at the net, is that the racquet should start in front of you, but in front of your face, that way the racquet is already up in the air, ready to turn to one side. This also helps in case someone hits the ball right at you, as all you have to do is lean out of the way. 

Your grip should be continental. If you do not know how to hold the racquet in continental grip, click here.

After you ready up, we will start with the forehand, simply turn your shoulders slightly to your forehand side, move your racquet to that side, keeping it slightly in front of you, and swiftly jab the ball, do not swing. The footwork for this shot is very simple: step forward with your opposite foot, like the player is doing above. If you are a right handed player, your forehand will hit on your right side, and your left foot will step forward. Left handed is vise-versa.

The backhand volley can be performed as a two handed or a one handed shot. For the two handed shot, simply put your weak hand on top of your dominant, turn to your backhand side, jab, and step with your opposite foot. For a one handed, turn to your backhand side, move your weak hand up to the bridge or throat of the racquet, (just below the strings,) and swing with the racquet moving out of your weak hand, keeping your weak hand up, stepping through with your opposite foot.

Four things to keep in mind when hitting volleys is that, 1) Never make a full swing on the ball, a light punch or jab is plenty. 2) Never hit or go over the net when swinging, this will result in an automatic loss of the point. 3) Never let the racquet fall below your waist, and never point the racquet down. 4) Don't let the racquet get behind you! Be aggressive and take the shot in front, if you are trying to catch up to the ball and hitting it from behind your body it will be much, much more difficult to make a good shot.

You should be one step closer to learning the sport after reading this and trying it out.