So how do you hit a volley correctly? Your first move from the basic ready position is to align your racquet face to the oncoming ball.  Lay your wrist back and turn your hitting shoulder away from the net; turn only enough to get the racquet face parallel to the net. For control, you will need to put backspin on the volley, so tilt the racquet back about 10-15 degrees and raise your forearm until the racquet head is slightly above the line of the approaching ball.  With practice, these racquet alignments can be performed in one single movement from the ready position.

If you assume a continental or hammer grip on your racquet, it will be easier to make your racquet head tilt back.  You can also use an eastern forehand grip, but you will have to lay the wrist back more in order to get the same tilt.  Either of these two grips will work with practice.  You cannot volley, however, with a modified western or full western grip.

With the racquet aligned as described above, step forward toward the net with the foot opposite your hitting shoulder in a smooth, balanced way, simultaneously thrusting your hand toward the oncoming ball. Your hand, wrist, and racquet head should move forward in parallel toward the ball in a slightly downward motion (to impart backspin).  Don't try to get sideways first and then hit the ball-you'll end up slapping at your volleys and netting them.  Stepping toward the net will get you sideways enough.

Time the step so you land on your foot just as your racquet makes contact with the ball. Your wrist should remain laid-back and firm, your elbow bent, and your racquet tilted backward throughout the stroke.  Think 'handle first' and 'palm toward the ball' as your arm moves forward.  Remember, most of the power comes from a weight transfer as you step forward, not from your arm.  Lastly, keep your head absolutely still and try to watch the ball strike your strings.  If you lift your head too soon to see where the ball is going or to watch your opponents, you'll make an error.

The volley is a controlled, compact, thrust. Keep it simple. Think thrust or block, not swing. Your emphasis should be on placement and accuracy, not power.  Rather than always try for an outright winner, use the volley to set up a winning placement for your (or your partner's) next shot.

One final note: On low balls, you'll need to bend your knees and open up the racquet face. Don't try to scoop the ball or chop down on it. Use an open racquet face and a smooth forward thrust of the arm to get the ball safely over the net.

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