The volley is the most efficient and simplest of the strokes when it comes to execution and the easiest way to end a point in doubles.

Technically, it requires that you “catch” the ball on the strings and angle it in the desired direction.

Let me give you a few essential tips for a successful volley:

– Keep the racquet in front of the dominant shoulder as you prepare for the incoming ball – that means very little or no backswing;

– Set the racquet face in the path of the ball as soon as you see it coming;

– As you contact the ball, push through the impact – avoid swinging;

– Bring the racquet to a stop as soon as the ball has left the strings. Due to the position and distance of where the volley is executed, a quick recovery is essential, thus the abbreviated follow-through.

Based on the height level at which contact with the ball is made, we have the low volley, net level volley, and high volley.

Low Volley – when contact is made within 3 feet of the ground.

You do not want to let it happen too often. It is a defensive kind of volley and your intention is to just get it back in play and more importantly away from the opposing net player.

It can happen when the transition from the baseline to the net is done, or when the net player waits for the ball to come to him instead of moving and contacting the ball early.

Place it deep to the opposing baseline player or angle it away from the other net player.

Don’t try to win points off of it – it requires a very good touch to make it low over the net and angle it toward the doubles alley.

Net Level Volley – contact is made about 3 – 4 feet from the ground.

It requires a little spin (slice) for control and placement. Hit it mostly deep at or between the opposing players if you have any room, or you can surprise the other net player but be on the lookout right away because this kind of volley is not aggressive enough to put away or make the opposing net player uncomfortable.

High Volley – where contact with the ball is made 4 feet or higher from the ground.

This is the ideal put-away shot that everyone should take advantage of.

When you see the ball floating high your way, don’t wait for it. It is very important to move forward and make contact high above the net level.

Hit it aggressively to the opposing net player or in the gap created by the two other players. Avoid sending high volleys to the opposing baseline players or you will waste a put-away opportunity. Always send high volleys to the opposing net player, into the gap (between the players) or if you are very close to the net then you can angle it short away from the opposing net player.

Always be on the lookout for this kind of volley and take advantage of it. Hit them flat with an abbreviated backswing. Too often I see players get over-excited and “whack” the ball thinking it will go in. Even though it feels good to take a big swing at it, most of the time control is lost and the opportunity too. Keep it simple by just punching the ball in the direction you desire and relying on good placement rather than power to win the point.

So in a review, send low volleys deep to the baseline player; net-level volleys should go deep or into the gap; high volleys should be put-away shots toward the net player (at his feet if possible), into the gap or at a short wide angle away from the opposing net player.