One of the most challenging parts of coming to the net is the fact that the transition shot is the groundstroke and that forehands and backhands are so mechanically different than volleys.
Just how different are they? In almost every conceivable way: Grip, racquet motion, angle of the racquet, position on the court, bounce vs. no bounce, as well as how much time you have to react. Here’s a humorous yet effective way of describing what you need to do when coming in to the net to volley. I like to call it changing channels.
As soon as you see a short ball, your mindset is to mentally prepare to hit the volley before you even hit the approach. The opposite is the player who comes to the net and acts surprised when their approach shot comes back over the net.
Of the many ways you can come to the net, the mindset has to be the same. You have to be 100% clear that you will have to move very quickly to cover as much court as possible and be what I call super ready to change channels for either a volley or an overhead.
Joe Dinoffer is a USPTA and PTR Master Professional. Visit his site, Oncourt Offcourt, at www.oncourtoffcourt.com.
Since its inception in 1994, Oncourt Offcourt has become the world’s leading source for hundreds of creative training aids, books and videos for the tennis industry.
To read more of Joe’s articles, please visit Tape Talk.
