A weak volley can indeed be the Achilles’ heel of your tennis game, leaving you exposed at the net and unable to capitalise on those crucial offensive opportunities.
If you’ve ever found yourself stranded in that awkward mid-court zone, struggling to put away what should be straightforward shots, then it’s high time you refined your net play through strategic tennis volley drills.
Whether you’re a keen club player aiming to assert your dominance at the net or an aspiring competitor looking to elevate your overall game, these tennis volley drills will undoubtedly revolutionise your volleying skills and give you a significant edge on court.
Why volleys matter in modern tennis
While baseline rallies often seem to dictate the rhythm of modern tennis, a strong and reliable net presence remains an undeniably deadly weapon in any player’s arsenal. The best players in the world, across both singles and doubles formats, consistently utilise crisp, well-placed volleys to finish points with efficiency and authority.
These decisive shots take valuable time away from your opponent, often forcing unforced errors and crucially, granting you greater control over the tempo and direction of the point.
However, executing a great volley is far more nuanced than simply hitting the ball back over the net. It encompasses the ability to keenly read the unfolding game, accurately anticipate your opponent’s intended shot, and position yourself with absolute precision to execute with optimal control and finesse.
This is precisely where the incorporation of the right, targeted tennis volley drills becomes absolutely invaluable in your training regime.
Essential tennis volley drills to elevate your game
Here are 5 tennis volley drills you can use to elevate your game and win more matches! You can try them alone or with a partner.
#1 Reaction volley drill
Why it works
Fast-paced exchanges at the net demand lightning-quick reflexes and sharp anticipation. This dynamic drill is specifically designed to hone your reactions and cultivate a constant state of engagement and readiness when you’re positioned at the net.
How to do it
- Position yourself close to the net with a training partner or coach who will feed rapid-fire volleys directly towards you
- Maintain a stable racket position in front of your body and focus on reacting instantaneously, employing soft, receptive hands to effectively absorb the pace of the incoming ball
- Introduce variations in your grips and positioning throughout the drill to authentically replicate the unpredictable nature of real match scenarios
- Aim to consistently return a sequence of 10 to 15 volleys without allowing the ball to drop, gradually increasing the speed of the feeds as your reflexes sharpen.
#2 Deep to short volley drill
Why it works
Many players, even those with powerful groundstrokes, often find themselves challenged by the delicate finesse required for effective net play.
This drill is specifically designed to help you master the contrasting skills of hitting both penetrating deep volleys and delicate drop volleys, thereby empowering you to dictate the flow of play with enhanced precision and tactical awareness.
How to do it
- Stand at the service line
- Your partner will then feed balls to you alternately, one deep into the court and the next falling short near the net
- Focus on hitting the deep volleys with controlled pace and ensuring good depth, while employing soft hands and a gentle touch for the short volleys
- Aim to make them die just over the net
- Pay close attention to adjusting your grip pressure to generate the precise amount of touch required for each type of volley
- Repeat this sequence for 2 to 3 minutes, consciously alternating between your forehand and backhand volleys to develop consistency on both sides.
#3 Angle volley drill
Why it works
The ability to create sharp, acute angles from the net can be a devastating tactic. These shots can effectively dismantling your opponent’s defensive court coverage and opening up opportunities for outright winners.
This tennis volley drill specifically trains you in the art of carving out these strategically important angled shots.
How to do it
- Position yourself at the net with a coach or practice partner feeding balls to you
- Your primary objective is to volley the ball at extreme angles, aiming to send it sharply cross-court and wide of your opponent’s anticipated position
- Begin practising at slower speeds to develop feel and accuracy, gradually increasing the intensity as your control improves
- Focus on utilising subtle wrist control to shape the trajectory and angle of your shots without resorting to over-hitting, which can lead to errors
- Repeat this drill approximately 20 times, ensuring you alternate between your backhand and forehand volleys to develop proficiency on both wings.
#4 Approach and volley drill
Why it works
The most effective net players possess the crucial skill of transitioning smoothly and confidently from the baseline towards the net. These players set themselves up effectively to execute strong, decisive volleys.
As one of our tennis volley drills, this exercise is designed to help you master this vital aspect of net play, ensuring you move forward with purpose and balance.
How to do it
- Stand at the baseline and hit a well-placed, penetrating approach shot (you can vary this between a slice, topspin, or flat drive)
- Follow your shot immediately as you move forward towards the net
- As you arrive at the net, focus on executing a controlled and well-placed volley.
- Pay particular attention to performing a split-step just as you reach the net, as this small but significant movement will ensure you remain ready to react to your opponent’s return
- Repeat this sequence for 10 rounds, alternating between the different types of approach shots you employ to develop versatility in your net entry.
#5 Defensive reflex volley drill
Why it works
Not every volley you encounter will present an opportunity for an aggressive, attacking shot. In many situations, particularly in fast-paced exchanges, your primary goal will be to effectively block a powerful shot back into play, neutralising the attack and maintaining your position at the net.
This drill specifically simulates these high-pressure defensive scenarios.
How to do it
- Have your training partner or coach hit fast-paced shots directly at you from their position on the baseline.
- Shift your focus from attacking the ball to effectively absorbing its pace and concentrating on controlling the depth of your return
- Employ a compact backswing and ensure your racket face remains steady and stable throughout the contact
- Aim to consistently return the balls with controlled depth, preventing them from floating high or landing short, rather than attempting to hit outright winners from a defensive position
- Perform this drill for 2 to 3 minutes at a time to build your defensive volleying skills and composure under pressure.
Key tips to maximise the impact of these tennis volley drills
Stay Low
Maintaining a low centre of gravity provides a stable base, which is essential for balance, quick reactions, and controlled contact. Bend your knees and stay agile.
Use a firm wrist
A steady and firm wrist throughout your volley stroke is crucial for preventing mishits and ensuring accurate ball control. Avoid excessive wrist movement.
Control your grip pressure
Experiment with different levels of grip pressure depending on the type of volley you’re hitting. A lighter grip generally aids in executing delicate touch volleys, while a firmer grip provides more control when dealing with powerful incoming shots.
Master the split step
This small, quick hop just before your opponent strikes the ball is a fundamental movement for net players. It keeps you light on your feet and ready to move quickly in any direction to intercept the ball.
Anticipate your opponent’s shot
Develop the habit of reading your opponent’s body language, racket preparation, and the trajectory of the ball as it leaves their racket. This will give you valuable extra time to position yourself optimally for the volley.
How these tennis volley drills transform your game
Many amateur players struggle significantly at the net simply because they haven’t incorporated structured training and specific tennis volley drills into their practice routines.
By integrating these essential tennis volley drills into your regular tennis sessions, you will progressively develop sharper reflexes, achieve significantly better control over your volley placement and depth. Ultimately, you’ll gain the confidence and ability to finish points decisively and effectively at the net.
Imagine stepping onto the court with the unwavering confidence to attack the net fearlessly, secure in the knowledge that you possess the refined skills to volley with precision and authority. Your opponents will soon find themselves struggling to cope with your newfound net prowess.
Tried these tennis volley drills and want to elevate your game even further? Explore Yellow Fuzzy Balls and learn how top-tier players train, incorporating insider strategies often designed by some of the most astute minds in professional tennis.
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