VolleyBeginner
Teach the compact, in-front contact point of the volley before adding the racquet.
- Players2
- Time8 min
- EquipmentBasket of balls, racquet
Setup: Player stands in the ready position about 6 feet from the net without a racquet. Feeder stands at the opposite service line with a basket.
- Feeder underhand-tosses balls to the player's forehand side at chest height.
- Player steps forward with the opposite foot and catches the ball in front with the hitting hand, palm facing the feeder.
- Repeat to the backhand side, catching with the back of the hand facing the feeder (or simply blocking with the palm turned).
- Move to holding the racquet at the throat and 'catch' the ball on the strings, then gradually slide the hand down to the grip.
Coaching cues
- Catch it in front of you
- Step with the opposite foot
- No backswing, ever
Common mistakes
- Reaching back to catch beside the body
- Stepping with the same-side foot
Progression: Feeder tosses lower balls so the player must bend the knees, keeping the hand (and later racquet head) above the wrist.
Coach's note: The catch is the volley in its simplest form. Players who catch in front volley in front.