Lessons from the Court: Demystifying the Tennis Volley
Ask any veteran of the doubles court, and they’ll tell you—volleying isn’t just about quick hands. It’s a small art, a little science, and plenty of boldness all at once. Over the years, I’ve watched countless matches, and beneath all those tips and technical breakdowns, a handful of practical truths have stuck with me. Let’s lay them out simply, honestly, and with a dash of on-court wisdom.
1. Position, not Perfection—Owning Your Place in Doubles
So you’re stationed at the net while your partner sends that first serve flying. Where do you stand? Drop the fantasy of crowding the net like the pros—unless you’re blessed with kangaroo legs and superhero reactions. For most club players, the sweet spot lands you just about at the heart of your service box, midway between net and baseline, and not hugging the sidelines. This baseline geometry isn’t rigid; shift left or right, forward or back, in harmony with the serve’s direction. Think of this spot as your home base: steady, but never static. Play upright, head high—most balls whizzing by won’t dance around your waist, but soar above your brow. At club levels, those groundstrokes coming at you aren’t swirling with wicked topspin. More often, they meet you high—and you need to meet them tall.
2. Rethinking Ready—Why Most Players Hold the Racket Wrong
Club players love the comfort of the in-between. Racket dead center, weight evenly poised, ready for anything—or so it seems. The trouble is, most shots in doubles don’t come straight at you. Opponents are aiming to dodge your net presence, angling crosscourt nearly every time. With this in mind, angle your stance. If you’re on the deuce side, favor your forehand—rotate that racket just a shade right (for the righties among us). If you’re on ad side, shift to the left, giving your backhand a head start. Always remember: chest open, chin high, as if daring the ball to test your reach.
3. The Swing—More Nuanced Than a Simple “Punch”
You’ve probably heard the mantra—“just punch it.” Reality begs for more subtlety. Your swing’s length should live and die by the pace of the incoming ball. Lightning-fast returns? Short motion, barely more than a block. A slowball, gently arcing over the net? Let yourself build a longer follow-through, layering backspin for touch and control. Avoid freezing at the shot’s finish; think of your racket gliding through, not slamming to a stop. I often call it “striking the Equator—then touring South America.” In other words—catch the ball with enough sweep to add some spin and depth. Volleying is pure reaction—instinct in motion. Position your racket behind the inbound ball fast. If seconds allow, roll your shoulders into the shot; when blessed with even more time, step in. History’s greatest volleyers relied on simplicity of motion, not complicated footwork. If, mid-volley, your mind sprints to your feet, you’re already a beat too slow.
4. The Grip—Favoring the Middle Ground
Grip choices matter more than you’d guess. In doubles, drifting toward the center is key. Forehand grip for ad court, backhand for deuce—tailoring for angles and faster response. Most decent players struggle more with forehand volley than backhand, often due to grip. Sticking with a continental grip is common, but it’s effectively a less powerful backhand grip—leaving you at a disadvantage on forehands. Adjust early, and let your hand help you, not outsmart you.
5. Placing the Volley—Where to Aim and Why
Here’s an old chestnut that bears repeating: hit the ball where your opponent isn’t. Search for open space—the broad middle is a safe target, especially if you’re not sure. Aim low at a net player’s feet, robbing them of split seconds for reaction. When you spot both rivals pinned to the baseline, lure them in shallow with drop volleys, or carve an angled shot to force them to sprint. Deep volleys, low skimmers, inner-court placements—each demands a slightly different touch. Remember, anything struck below net height is a hold-your-ground, defensive play. Higher balls? Give yourself permission to attack.
Courage at the Net—And the Audacity of Mistakes
Doubles at the net is no place for the faint-hearted. Too many players stand there, respectably upright, yet paralyzed—watching exchanges zip by, nervously guarding the alley, but rarely attacking. Here’s a secret: more points are lost by inaction than by wild aggression. The fear of being beaten down the sideline is mostly imagined; the actual tally is much lower than the mind believes. When you let a couple zip past you, it stings—and suddenly, it feels like a flood, not a trickle. Trust yourself—step toward those risky balls. The alley won’t haunt you as often as you think. Sitting back at the baseline means you’re missing the rush, the chaos, and, frankly, the joy of doubles. Throw yourself into the play—mistakes are part of the bargain. They teach more than caution ever will.
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Ed Wolfarth presides over tennis at Meadowbrook Pointe Club, Westbury, NY. He holds senior national rankings, was named USPTA High School Coach of the Year, and when he’s not dissecting doubles or serving on USTA boards, he lectures on sport science at Hofstra University and Queens College. Reach him at [wolfarthe@msn.com](mailto:wolfarthe@msn.com).
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Let the net be your stage—and remember, every missed volley is simply rehearsal for the one you’ll nail tomorrow.
