THE VOLLEY
BODY STANCE
(THE ‘READY POSITION’)
Similar to most sports, you want to
have your center of gravity on the balls of
your feet.
• Bend your knees (with your feet
approximately shoulders width
apart)
• Lean slightly forward (so your body
weight and balance shifts to the balls
of your feet)
• Keep your paddle out in front of you
(with your elbows slightly bent)
• Maintain your shoulders square to
the net (your chest should be facing
the net)
• Your paddle face/head should be
above your wrist (this ensures the
ball trajectory is upward)
This body position will keep you nimble
and quick.
THE FOCAL POINT
It is very important to know where to
make contact with the ball. The ‘focal
point’ (or point where you make contact
with the ball) is in front of your body and
slightly to the side. Note, the ideal volley
contact point is not directly in front of
you. The focal point is where your body
is the strongest, ball contact will be more
consistent and your volley will be the
most solid.
The ball will very rarely (if ever) be hit
directly to you where you don’t have to
move. Body movement is imperative so
that you can reach your focal point and
volley correctly. It is never ideal to hit a
volley while lunging. You must move your
feet.
Next, to maintain proper body
positioning square to the net, step with
your foot that’s on the same side of your
body as the side you are hitting the ball.
This is unlike tennis. If you were to turn
your shoulders perpendicular with the
net it will be very easy for your opponent
to hit the next ball behind you.
VOLLEYING
As noted above, always remember ‘less
is more.’ Also, a volley is a “punch,” not a
swing.
• Your paddle should always start and
finish i