Unity 1: Forehand volley (right-handed player)

Definition: The forehand volley is another of the aerial shots, which are part of the attacking game in the net area. All volleys require a preparation and finishing cut due to the fact that the player by the area where he/she hits and by the speed of the game requires a shorter movement to achieve a more exact.

Grip: continental, a small change of forehand grip is recommended for beginner players. In the event that the student spontaneously grips continental, we will continue with this form.

Waiting position

• Edge paddle in front of the nose and close to the chin.
• Body position hunched (hunchbacked)
• Arms with elbows close to the body.
• Volley at eye level.
• Separation of the feet is approximately shoulder width apart.
• Shoulders and jaws should be relaxed.
• Forehand Volley Progression
• The preparation is short with emphasis on the point of contact and the finish, it is shorter than that of a groundstroke.
• The angle of the paddle is approximately 45° (stop gesture).
• Foot support: with respect to this subject, it is very important the criterion of the game that is instilled to the player, since the supports have some variants.
• When the player receives a delivery with medium difficulty, the player who volleys forehand has time and rests on the left foot hitting sideways with respect to the net perpendicularly.
• Depending on the origin of the opponent’s delivery, the player will place the support more or less crossed looking to transfer the weight of the body from the right foot to the left.
• If the support step is too long the player will make an attacking volley as it will transfer too much weight to the support foot and if it is too small a step will have little stability
• In the case of receiving a very fast ball, the player who volleys will hit more in front of the net, he/she will only turn the waist and the hip without transferring the weight forward (defensive volley), holding the paddle.
• Chaining: the arm is slightly bent with the elbow close to the body thus generating a shorter movement without preparation.
• The chaining of the stroke is with the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. It must have a medium muscle tone to generate a good controlled point of impact and thus achieve a good ball handling.
• Point of Impact. The point of impact in the forehand volley is between the left shoulder and the center of the body, varying by a few centimeters depending on the direction chosen for the delivery. 
• Parallel stroke, point of impact more delayed.
• Cross-court shot, more forward point of impact.

Control volley, delayed point of impact.

Completion: it is shorter compared to a backhand stroke, varying in length depending on the direction chosen for the stroke and the distance from the net. with respect to the net.

Parallel stroke, shorter trajectory of the ball flight, shorter finish.

• Cross stroke, longer trajectory of the ball flight, longer termination.

The finish should have a line that coincides with the direction the player wishes to achieve by finishing the stroke towards the target.

Technique: the technique of the volley as in the rest of the strokes is essential because it will allow the player to have no limits in its evolution.

In the initiation stage, the gesture is less fluid since the player performs a movement with high tension by cutting the movement.

By performing many executions and practicing, the player will achieve a more natural and fluid movement.

Respecting the aforementioned guidelines and adapting to the game situation, a forehand volley with control and direction will be achieved.

Mid-height volley progression.

Low volley progression.

High volley progression.

Impact point comparison.

Comparative heights.