Recognize when the ball lands short and move forward to attack. Hit a deep, driving approach shot away from the opposing net player.
Move forward and take the ball out of the air instead of letting it bounce. Aim deep crosscourt to the baseline opponent and come in behind it.
When you or your partner hit a deep lob over the opponent’s head, use the extra time to move in. Most opponents will respond with another lob or short ball. NOTE*- split step near the service line to prepare for a possible lob back so you can hit an overhead.
Move forward while your partner hits an aggressive overhead. Be ready to attack the weak or defensive return.
Recognize when the opponent is forced to hit a volley below net level. Move in to capitalize on their likely weak or short reply.
The squeeze and freeze method is a great way to clean up your volleys and reduce the common swinging mistake that happens at the net. Try this easy two-step method:
STEP 1: start with your hand relaxed, then give the grip a sudden and hard squeeze immediately as you hit the ball. This will help keep the racquet stable as you make contact and help give a punch to the ball to create speed.
STEP 2: freeze your racquet in place as the ball makes contact with your strings. Make sure your racquet strings stop and face forward towards your target. This stopping action will halt the racquet at the contact point, which is exactly where the finish should be for a perfect volley.
Think of the simultaneous ‘squeeze and freeze’ actions on your volleys for more consistency and accuracy at the net.
