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You have served and the return comes back low. Where does the first volley go?
A low first volley goes deep and controlled. Its job is to keep them back while you arrive.
Following your serve in, the return arrives at knee height around the service line. Where do you volley it?
A low first volley goes deep and controlled. Its job is to keep them back while you arrive.
Why
The first volley after the serve is usually hit from around the service line, from a ball that is low, before you have reached the net position. It is not a point-winning shot. Its job is to land deep, ideally at the returner's feet or into the back corner, so that the opponents are still hitting from the back while you finish your approach. Trying to do more with it is the classic serving error: a low ball hit hard or angled goes into the net or pops up, and the point that should have been yours becomes theirs.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Low first volley: open the face slightly, push it deep, keep walking in. Nothing clever.
Intermediate
Aim at the deeper of the two opponents. The ball to their feet from deep produces the lift you want to attack.
Advanced
Vary the depth by the returner's position. If they are advancing behind a chiquita, the volley to their feet catches them mid-step; if they stay back, into the corner.
Common questions
Following your serve in, the return arrives at knee height around the service line. Where do you volley it?
Deep, to the feet or the back corner. A low first volley goes deep and controlled. Its job is to keep them back while you arrive. The first volley after the serve is usually hit from around the service line, from a ball that is low, before you have reached the net position. It is not a point-winning shot. Its job is to land deep, ideally at the returner's feet or into the back corner, so that the opponents are still hitting from the back while you finish your approach. Trying to do more with it is the classic serving error: a low ball hit hard or angled goes into the net or pops up, and the point that should have been yours becomes theirs.
Why not a short angle to end the point early?
From knee height, a short angle goes into the net or sits up. Angles are for balls above the net.
What should a beginner do here?
Low first volley: open the face slightly, push it deep, keep walking in. Nothing clever.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Vary the depth by the returner's position. If they are advancing behind a chiquita, the volley to their feet catches them mid-step; if they stay back, into the corner.
Puzzles like this one
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beginnerThe ball is at your feet at the net. What now?
A ball below the net cannot be attacked. Block it deep and wait for one above the tape.
beginnerYou have served. Where do you go?
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