Tennis Volley Drills | Improve Your Power, Control, Placement, and Footwork

Key points

• Step closer toward the net on each consecutive volley to cut down court angles
• Backpedal dynamically to track defensive lobs when caught close to the net

Common mistakes

Staying stuck on the service line instead of actively closing ground toward the net between shots.

Key points

• Maintain a compact backswing with hands firm and out in front of the body
• React quickly off the opponent's racket without dropping the racket head below wrists

Common mistakes

Taking an exaggerated takeback that causes late contact and mistimed framing at rapid tempo.

Key points

• Time the split-step precisely upon the opponent's strike
• Punch firmly through the contact zone with minimal wrist movement

Common mistakes

Standing flat-footed between volleys and failing to execute an active split-step.

Key points

• Bend knees to keep eye level aligned with low-skidding net cords
• Absorb incoming ball speed with controlled, stable wrists

Common mistakes

Dropping the racket head down by the waist on low volleys instead of lowering the center of gravity.

Key points

• Explode diagonally forward into the net rather than moving strictly sideways
• Intercept the ball well out in front above net level

Common mistakes

Moving horizontally parallel to the net rather than attacking forward across the center line.

Key points

• Attack forward past the cone into the court on every repetition
• Backpedal quickly around the marker cone to reset forward acceleration

Common mistakes

Striking the ball while drifting backward rather than stepping forward into the court.

Key points

• Push off forcefully with the outside foot to cover wide incoming feeds
• Cross over and shuffle back quickly to the middle ready position after each hit

Common mistakes

Watching the shot while standing wide rather than recovering instantly to the center line.

Key points

• Transition smoothly from a low volley ready stance into an overhead smash setup
• Turn shoulders sideways and backpedal or crossover quickly to get behind overhead balls

Common mistakes

Backpedaling flat-footed facing forward on lobs instead of turning shoulders and moving sideways.

Key points

• Drop deeply through the knees into a lunge to reach low-skidding balls
• Push forcefully out of the front heel to recover to ready position between feeds

Common mistakes

Bending exclusively at the waist with stiff legs, losing posture and ball control.