The angle volley is one of the most effective yet underutilised shots in tennis, capable of turning defensive positions into offensive opportunities in an instant.
Mastering this shot allows you to put away points with finesse, forcing your opponent to scramble wide and leaving them with little chance to recover.
If you’ve ever felt stuck at the net, unsure of how to finish the point decisively, the angle volley might be the missing piece in your game.
What is an angle volley?
An angle volley is a shot played at the net that redirects the ball at a sharp angle across the court, rather than hitting it deep. Unlike a traditional volley that aims for depth, this technique exploits geometry to keep the ball low and away from your opponent’s reach.
When executed correctly, the angle volley creates extreme angles that pull your opponent off the court, setting you up for an easy winner or forcing a weak reply.
Why it works?
Exploiting court positioning
By cutting off the ball’s trajectory and redirecting it at an angle, you effectively shrink your opponent’s available court coverage. This forces them to run wider than usual, often leaving them off-balance and unable to counter with an effective shot.
Speed not power
Many amateur players make the mistake of thinking that volleys must be hit hard to be effective. In reality, the angle volley relies on placement rather than power. By taking pace off the ball and focusing on precision, you create a shot that is difficult to chase down while maintaining control over the point.
Capitalising on opponent’s weakness
Most recreational players struggle with lateral movement, particularly when pulled out of position. The angle volley exploits this weakness by forcing an opponent to cover extreme distances in a short amount of time.
If they do reach the ball, their reply is often weak, setting you up for an easy put-away shot.
When to use the angle volley
Against baseline players
If you’re facing an opponent who prefers to stay deep behind the baseline, the angle volley is an excellent way to draw them forward against their comfort zone. Many baseline players lack strong net play, making them vulnerable when forced into quick lateral movement near the service line.
During doubles play
In doubles, the angle volley is a deadly weapon because it allows you to hit into spaces that disrupt the opponent’s positioning. A well-placed angle volley can create confusion, forcing your opponents to communicate under pressure while leaving gaps for you to exploit.
Countering drop shots
If your opponent tries to bring you forward with a drop shot, responding with an angle volley is a fantastic way to counterattack. Instead of simply returning the ball deep, an angled volley forces them to cover even more ground, increasing your chances of winning the point outright.
How to execute the perfect angle volley
1. Positioning matters
To hit a sharp angle volley, you must position yourself slightly inside the service box. Standing too deep makes it harder to cut off the ball’s trajectory at the right moment.
Keep your knees bent and stay on the balls of your feet to react quickly.
2. Soft hands, firm wrist
The key to a controlled angle volley is a soft touch with a firm wrist. A common mistake is swinging too much, which leads to loss of control. Instead, use your opponent’s pace to guide the ball and focus on a short, compact movement to redirect it at an angle.
3. Open the racket face
To generate the right angle, open your racket face slightly at impact. This helps to lift the ball while keeping it low over the net. Too much racket face opening will pop the ball up, making it an easy target for your opponent.
4. Contact point in front
Always meet the ball in front of your body rather than letting it get too close. This ensures that you maintain control and can direct the volley effectively. Waiting too long results in a weak shot that lacks the desired angle.
5. Use your body, not just your arm
Great volleyers use their entire body to guide the shot rather than relying solely on their arm. A slight forward movement helps absorb the pace of the ball and allows you to place it exactly where you want it.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Mistake #1: Overhitting
Many players try to hit the angle volley with excessive force, causing the ball to fly out. Remember, this is a finesse shot, not a power shot. Focus on touch rather than strength.
Mistake #2: Poor footwork
If you’re off-balance or reaching too much, your angle volley will lack precision. Stay light on your feet and move through the ball rather than reaching for it.
Mistake #3: Closing the racket face
A closed racket face results in the ball dropping into the net. Keep the face slightly open and let the ball glide off the strings naturally.
Drills to improve your volleys
Sharp angle cone drill
Set up cones near the side lines and practice hitting volleys that land within those areas. This will train you to visualise and execute sharper angles.
Partner volley exchange
Work with a partner at the net and aim to hit volleys that pull each other wide. This improves reaction time and control under pressure.
Feeding drill
Have a coach or partner feed balls from different heights and speeds, forcing you to adjust and control your angle volley in real-time scenarios.
Take your game to the next level
Adding the angle volley to your arsenal gives you a sophisticated tool to dismantle opponents who rely on predictable patterns. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the net, unsure of how to finish points decisively, refining your angle volley could be the breakthrough you need.
But strategy alone isn’t enough, you need a system to transform your entire game. That’s where expert-designed coaching from Fuzzy Yellow Balls come into play. Discover how to build a winning strategy today.
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