Tips From The Pro: Serve and Volley Basics

Toss the ball a little more forward when deciding to serve and volley. It should feel as if you naturally need to take a few steps into the court after making contact with the ball. Continue in until your opponent is just about to start their forward swing. 

Just prior to their shot (regardless of where you are), stop, using your split step to stay balanced over your feet. This will allow you to react to the direction of their shot and move towards the ball and the net as you hit the first volley. 

Repeat the forward movement and split step again as you did on the opponent’s return of serve. Make your movement to the net gradual unless they pop up their shot. If this happens, take an extra big step forward and to the ball and make contact early and solid. 

You do not have to add a lot of speed to your volley-think more about direction and/or an angle to win the point.


Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis (www.annaconetennis.com). For details on lessons and camps in Sag Harbor and throughout the Hamptons this summer contact sannacone@annaconetennis.com or management@annaconetennis.com

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January/February 2024 Digital Edition