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You hit a deep, firm volley. Do you move?
A deep volley is the cue to step in together. Press the advantage; the reply will be weak.
From the net position you hit a firm, deep volley to their backhand corner. What do you and your partner do as it travels?
A deep volley is the cue to step in together. Press the advantage; the reply will be weak.
Why
The volley's depth decides what happens next. A deep, firm volley into a corner leaves the opponent with poor options: a defensive lob that will probably be short, or a lift that will probably be high. Both are better attacked from half a metre closer to the net. So the pair steps in together as the volley travels, ready to volley the lift down or take the short lob out of the air. When a volley is short or floaty, the opposite applies. The pair holds or eases back, because the reply could be anything. The net position breathes with the quality of your last shot.
What this means at your level
Beginner
When you hit a good volley, take a small step forward with your partner. When you hit a bad one, get ready.
Intermediate
Step in on the diagonal toward where the reply will come, not straight forward.
Advanced
The step in also takes away the chiquita: a ball to your feet is only effective if you are standing still. Moving forward, you meet it above the net.
Common questions
From the net position you hit a firm, deep volley to their backhand corner. What do you and your partner do as it travels?
Both step in half a metre. They can only lob or lift. A deep volley is the cue to step in together. Press the advantage; the reply will be weak. The volley's depth decides what happens next. A deep, firm volley into a corner leaves the opponent with poor options: a defensive lob that will probably be short, or a lift that will probably be high. Both are better attacked from half a metre closer to the net. So the pair steps in together as the volley travels, ready to volley the lift down or take the short lob out of the air. When a volley is short or floaty, the opposite applies. The pair holds or eases back, because the reply could be anything. The net position breathes with the quality of your last shot.
Why not hold position, never move at the net?
The net position is dynamic. A good volley is the moment to press.
What should a beginner do here?
When you hit a good volley, take a small step forward with your partner. When you hit a bad one, get ready.
How does this change for an advanced player?
The step in also takes away the chiquita: a ball to your feet is only effective if you are standing still. Moving forward, you meet it above the net.
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