How to Hit a Tennis Forehand Volley

Playing at the net in tennis can result in a rapid crossfire, especially in doubles competition. Use the forehand volley to quickly return the ball before your opponent(s) can react.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tennis Shirts
• Tennis Shoes
• Tennis Shorts
• Tennis Socks
• Tennis Bag
• Tennis Balls
• Tennis Racquets

1. Position yourself about three feet from the net.

2. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

3. Hold the racket using a continental grip. (See Related eHow "How to Grip a Tennis Racket.)

4. Keep the racket in front of you, with the head pointing up. The bottom of the handle should be even with your belly button.

5. Lightly hold the top portion of the racket handle with the fingers of your non-dominant hand.

6. Bend your knees slightly. You should be able to feel some strain on your quadriceps muscles (in your thighs).

7. Step toward the ball with your left foot (or your right foot if you're left-handed) as the ball is hit toward you above waist level. Turn your shoulders slightly to the right (or left) until you bring the racket back to a point even with your right (or left) shoulder. This motion should be smooth.

8. Drive the racket forward to meet the ball - use a quick "punching" motion. The head should be vertical and the ball should strike the face evenly. Make contact as the ball is about even with your right (or left) shoulder.

9. Turn your racket hand slightly so that the palm faces the ball upon contact. This turns the racket face so that the ball hits squarely off the strings.

10. Follow through slightly with your swing. The follow-through for the volley is shorter than that for the regular forehand ground stroke; the racket should not cross the front of your body.

Tips & Warnings

• Players often stamp or plant their lead foot hard onto the ground as they turn toward an approaching ball. This ensures solid volleys.
• The backswing on a forehand volley is short and sweet. Too much of a backswing will make you hit the ball too hard or off to the side. Along with the abbreviated follow-through, the entire stroke is a short, fluid motion.

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on 11/22/2005 Try to keep the racket head above your waist, and adjust to the height of the ball by bending your legs, not at the waist. Also, be sure to contact the ball out in front of your body, firming your grip by squeezing the racket handle at the contact point.