Volley：How to Play Tennis --- part V

1. Knee-deep in strategy
The key to hitting good half-volleys (shots you pick up at mid-court) is bending your back knee. That way, you'll be able to get down to the ball without doubling over at your waist. Plus, keeping your back straight and transferring your weight forward will make it easier to get the return deep in your opponent's court. Pete Sampras is an excellent role model for this shot.

2. Ever-ready
Even some of the experienced players have poor ready positions, and because of that, they can't react quickly to many volleys. They allow their hands and racquet to hang low. Maybe they think the ready position isn't a big deal, but it is. You've got to be prepared to pounce, with your hands at chest level in front of your body and your weight slightly forward. You'll have to react quickly, and as you are close in on the net, it will become more difficult to volley if you let your racquet sag to waist level.

3. Volleying practice
At volley practice, keep two variations in mind: a deep, penetrating volley and a short, angled volley. They're all you'll ever need!

4. Foot soldiers
Stefan Edberg, one of the game's greatest volleyers, used to say that 90 percent of his net play was done with his feet, not his racquet. In other words: Make sure you're moving to the ball, not waiting for it to come to you.

5.The handyman can
When you volley -- both forehand and backhand -- your first move should be to set your hand in the correct position to hit. So even if there's no time to make a textbook shot, you'll still have a play on the ball.

6. Soft hands, hard volley
One of the keys to hitting effective volleys is controlling your racquet head and keeping your dominant hand relaxed. Master these two things and you'll have a greater sense of feel and precision around the net.