Players usually learn to volley using their groundstroke forehand grip and for a while it works quite well. However, in order to continue to improve, it is very important that they switch to a Continental Grip. This grip will allow them to hit low volleys much more comfortably and effectively.
An effective forehand volley requires a firm wrist. The movement of the racquet head comes from the forearm and shoulder. The wrist will increase the power of the volleys but also the mistakes. Keep the wrist firm and enjoy the control!
The normal tendency on wide forehand volleys is to hit the ball in the net. This is because as you stretch your racquet head will naturally close. In order to avoid this, change your grip to open the racquet head when stretched. Here is how it is done.
The player hits three shots:
An approach shot a first volley and a finishing vollley. The coach feeds all shots.
Hitting the ball in front of the body is essential for a solid forehand volley. Therefore, work on keeping the elbow in front of the body and laying your wrist back.
A solid forehand volley is a compact shot with little motion. The pace on the ball is generated by the body moving through the ball and by a compact swing using mainly the forearm. The wrist remains firm at contact to help the player control the ball.
Keeping the wrist up to hit a volley will allow for more solid contact points. Keeping an “L” shape between the racquet and the arm is a good guideline.
What is the ideal grip at the net? In general the Continental Grip can be used to hit a forehand and a backhand volley. However, small adjustments on each side are acceptable. The emphasis is on “small.”
It is important to differentiate between the contact point on the forehand volley and on the backhand volley. On the Forehand you want to make contact in front of the body with the wrist laid back. On the backhand, the contact is more on the side of the body with the shoulder, elbow, wrist and racquet aligned.
It is common for beginners to use the same grip to hit a forehand off the ground and a forehand volley. However, a Continental grip is a much better option at the net.