Let’s talk about the tennis volley—one of the most misunderstood shots in adult tennis.
If you’re comfortable rallying from the baseline but feel tense, rushed, or awkward at the net, you’re not alone. Most adult players struggle with volleys for three very simple reasons: the wrong grip, fear at net, and taking the racket back too far.
The good news? All three are fixable—and once they are, doubles (and singles) become a lot more enjoyable.
The volley isn’t about looking fancy. It’s about taking time away from your opponent and finishing points cleanly. When you feel relaxed and confident at net, everything slows down.
The Continental Grip (This Is Non-Negotiable)
If your volleys feel shaky or unreliable, the first place we look is your grip.
Adult players often come to the net using a forehand grip. That grip feels safe from the baseline—but at net, it creates hesitation and poor control.
The continental grip is the correct grip for volleying. Think of:
- Shaking hands with the racket
- Holding the racket like a hammer
That’s the feel you want.
This grip allows you to hit both forehand and backhand volleys without changing grips, which instantly removes panic. When adults don’t have to think about switching grips, they relax—and relaxed players volley better.
Practice holding this grip until it feels natural. Your grip is the foundation of every good volley.
Relax First. Power Comes Later.
Fear is the biggest problem adults have at net.
You’re closer to your opponent. The ball is coming faster. And suddenly, people tighten up.
Here’s the truth: volleys don’t require power. They require calm hands and a stable position.
Hold the racket lightly while you’re waiting. Squeeze the grip only at contact, then relax again. Think soft hands, firm wrist. When you stay relaxed, the ball stays on your strings longer, giving you control and feel.
Tension is the enemy of good volleying.
Stop Taking the Racket Back
This one correction alone changes everything for adult players.
A volley is not a swing.
It’s a block, a punch, a redirection.
When adults take the racket back, two things happen:
- The timing gets rushed
- The ball flies or drops into the net
At net, you don’t have time for a backswing. Keep the racket out in front of you, and make a short, compact movement toward the ball.
The less you take the racket back, the more control you’ll have.
Wrist Position: Upright and Stable
Your wrist should be upright, forming a natural “L” shape with the racket.
Think of your wrist as the support beam of the shot. It stays firm, not floppy. A loose or collapsing wrist causes inconsistency and mis-hits.
With the correct grip and a stable wrist, your strings naturally face the target and help the ball clear the net tape.
Contact should always be out in front. If the ball gets behind you, you’re already late.
The Ready Position at Net
Before the ball comes to you, you should already be set.
Stand with:
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Knees bent
- Racket up in front of your chest
Your racket lives in front of you at net. Not down. Not behind. In front.
From here, all you need is a small movement to the ball.
A Small Turn Is Enough
As the ball approaches, make a slight shoulder turn toward the shot.
This is not a full swing. It’s just enough movement to line up your strings and guide the ball.
You can use a crossover step for wider balls, or keep an open stance when the ball comes right at you. Both are fine. What matters is balance and control—not copying some “modern” version of tennis.
Aim Smart, Not Hard
Volleying is about placement.
Aim away from your opponent and into open space. Make them move. Force a weak reply—or end the point.
Power is unnecessary at net. Let your opponent’s pace do the work. You’re there to redirect, not to swing harder.
Recover After Every Volley
Once you hit the volley, reset immediately.
Get back to your ready position and expect the next ball. Reaction time at net is short, and preparation is everything.
Standing still after a volley is how points slip away.
Why Adult Players Improve Their Volleys on a Tennis Holiday
Volley confidence doesn’t come from one good drill. It comes from repetition, feedback, and a calm environment.
On a tennis holiday:
- You’re not rushed
- You get repeated reps
- You play with people at your level
- Corrections stick because you feel relaxed
This is why adult players often make big jumps in their net game during a focused training week.
Whether you train with us in Marbella during the winter or in Mallorca later in the year, this calm, compact volley approach is exactly what we reinforce on court with adult players.
Final Thought
If your volleys feel shaky, don’t overcomplicate it.
Check your grip.
Relax your hands.
Stop taking the racket back.
When those three things line up, the volley becomes one of the most enjoyable shots in your game.
And when adults feel confident at net, doubles becomes fun again—and winning points gets a whole lot easier.
