The One-Handed Back Hand Volley

Most players will achieve consistency on the forehand volley before they do so on the backhand volley. Yet in many respects the backhand volley is an easier stroke to master because your hitting shoulder is closer to the ball. I suspect the main culprit in the lack of good backhand volleys is the failure to make a grip change from the forehand grip to the backhand grip.

The backhand grip should be a Continental grip your index knuckle is on the bevel or the second panel of the handle. This grip allows you to hit the ball with a slightly open racquet face, thus generating backspin on the ball, which is crucial to control and consistency.

From your ready position, simply turn your non-hitting shoulder away from the net until your racquet face is now parallel to the net. As you turn your shoulder, your non-dominant hand assists in making the grip change from the forehand to the Continental. You will also have pivoted slightly on the balls of your feet.

Keep your back swing short. I often have my students take their backhand volleys with their left hip up close to the fence to prevent them from taking big swings on their volleys. Remember, your objective is to get your racquet face parallel to the net, and that only requires a short back swing achieve mainly with your shoulder turn.

After you turn your shoulder to prepare your racquet, lock your wrist and leave it locked throughout the volley stroke. Your elbow at this point will be slightly bent, but as you begin your forward movement toward the ball, it straightens out.

To put backspin on the ball, you will need to hit down slightly on the ball. This can best be achieved by raising your racquet slightly as you prepare the backswing. From this heightened position, you will swing down at the ball in a karate chop fashion. This downward motion, plus the open racquet face achieved with the Continental grip, will generate a decent amount of backspin.

Once you have prepared your racquet, now you only have to get the racquet face in front of the oncoming ball. Here is where good footwork comes into play. Step forward to meet the ball at the same time you begin your downward swing. This is a smooth, well-balanced step, which should shift most of your weight onto the front foot. Don't stomp your foot, make it smooth and silent.

On a softly hit ball or a floater, take several quick steps to get up to the ball so you can take it high in your volley hitting zone. Time your steps so your last step is on your dominant foot as you make your volley.

If your feet are your transportation to the ball, your knees are your elevators to hit the ball at effective volley height. Bend your knees to get down to low volleys. Your back knee might even touch the ground on a really low volley. Don't try to scoop the ball. Maintain your good volleying technique by bending your knees and getting low to the ball.

Like your backswing, the follow-through on a volley is also short. Your racquet only needs to move about a foot from start to finish. Keep it short and simple. This will help you get ready quickly for the next shot in case your volley comes back. Take a long follow-through, and you might be eating a fuzz sandwich before you have your racquet up to volley the next ball.

If you are still having problems getting a feel for the backhand volley, try using a chair or stool as described in the article in Issue 4, "Getting a Feel For The Forehand Volley." 

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