Tennis Volleys for Beginners: Mastering the Net Game with 4 Easy Tips Vantage Tennis

If you’re diving into the world of beginner tennis, mastering tennis volleys for beginners is a game-changer. Unlike groundstrokes, volleys require quick reflexes and precise hand-eye coordination, making them an essential skill for anyone who wants to dominate at the net.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics, helping you understand the fundamentals and practice techniques that will sharpen your volleys. You’ll learn to volley in tennis with proper form and precision, along with essential tennis volley drills to improve your reaction time and control. By the end, you’ll feel more confident every time you step onto the court.

Table of Contents for Tennis Volleys for Beginners

What is a Tennis Volley?

A tennis volley is a shot that you hit before the ball bounces on your side of the court. This quick-action shot is essential for aggressive play, allowing you to control points and put pressure on your opponent.

Whether you’re hitting a forehand volley or a backhand volley, mastering this skill will improve your overall game and make you a more well-rounded player. If you’re looking to improve, consider joining a tennis camp week mornings session for focused training. Additionally, incorporating volley games for kids can make learning fun and engaging for younger players.

Why Should You Learn Tennis Volleys?

If you’re a beginner, you might wonder why volleys are so important when most of your game happens at the baseline. Here’s why learning tennis volleys for beginners is crucial:

Control the net – Being at the net gives you an offensive advantage.
Shorten points – Volleys help you finish rallies quickly and efficiently.
Improve reflexes – Developing a quick reaction time makes you a stronger player overall.
Enhance overall technique – Mastering volleys helps improve your grip, footwork, and anticipation skills.

The Basics of a Good Tennis Volley

Before we dive into specific volley types, let’s go over the fundamental components of a solid volley:

1. Grip

Your grip is crucial in executing a controlled volley. The most recommended grip for beginners is the continental grip. To find this grip, hold the racket as if you’re shaking hands with it. This grip allows flexibility for both forehand and backhand volleys.

2. Stance and Footwork

A good tennis volley starts with the right stance and footwork. Keep your knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and be on the balls of your feet. Quick, small steps will help you adjust to the incoming ball.

3. Compact Swing

Unlike groundstrokes, volleys require a short, compact swing. The goal is to use the pace of the ball rather than generating your own power. Avoid taking big swings—keep your movements controlled.

4. Eye on the Ball

This might seem obvious, but I see many beginners struggle with keeping their focus on the ball. Watch the ball all the way into your racket to ensure solid contact.

Mastering the Forehand and Backhand Volley

Forehand Volley

The forehand volley is one of the most commonly used volleys in tennis. Here’s how you can do it correctly:

Start with the continental grip.
Keep your racket in front of you and slightly open.
Step forward with your opposite foot (left foot for right-handers, right foot for left-handers).
Make contact with the ball in front of your body.
Use a short, controlled push with your hand rather than a full swing.

Backhand Volley

The backhand volley follows similar principles but requires some adjustments:

Maintain the continental grip.
Keep your racket face slightly open.
Step forward with the same-side foot as your racket hand.
Use your non-dominant hand to help guide the racket for stability.
Make solid contact and push the ball forward with a firm wrist.

Common Mistakes You Might Make with Volleys

Learning tennis volleys for beginners can be tricky at first, but avoiding these common mistakes will help:

1. Swinging Too Much

Many beginners try to swing like they do for groundstrokes. Instead, keep your swing compact and controlled.

2. Not Moving Forward

A good volley requires forward momentum. Step into your shot rather than waiting for the ball to come to you.

3. Holding the Racket Too Tight

A relaxed grip allows for better control. Gripping too tightly makes it harder to absorb the ball’s energy.

How You Can Practice Tennis Volleys

Wall Drills

One of the best ways to practice volleys is by hitting against a wall. Stand a few feet away and hit controlled volleys, focusing on technique rather than power.

Partner Drills

If you have a practice partner, stand at the net and volley back and forth, keeping the ball in play as long as possible.

Coach or Ball Machine

A coach or ball machine can provide consistent shots, allowing you to refine your technique with repetition.

The Mental Game of Volleys

A strong tennis volley is not just about technique; it’s also about mindset. I know that confidence at the net can make a huge difference. Trust your instincts, stay relaxed, and remember that practice makes perfect.

More about Tennis Volleys for Beginners

How Do Beginners Volley in Tennis?

If you’re just starting, I recommend keeping things simple. You should focus on using a continental grip, keeping your racket in front of you, and making short, controlled movements.

I find that if you stay light on your feet and position yourself correctly, you’ll be able to react quickly. When you practice, I want you to focus on making clean contact with the ball and avoiding big swings—volleys are all about control and precision.

How to Practice Tennis Volleys by Yourself?

If you don’t have a partner, I suggest that you use a wall or a rebounder. You can stand close and hit volleys repeatedly to improve your reflexes. I want you to focus on consistency, keeping your wrist firm, and maintaining control with each shot.

Another great way to practice is by tossing a ball in the air and volleying it against a target. I know that training alone can be challenging, but if you stay committed, you’ll see improvement in no time.

What Is the Best Grip for Volleys in Tennis?

I recommend that you use the continental grip because it gives you flexibility for both forehand and backhand volleys. If you hold your racket like you’re shaking hands with it, you’ll be in the right position.

I want you to try this grip and notice how much control it gives you at the net. It might feel different at first, but I assure you that with practice, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident.

What Are Some Mistakes Players Make on Volleys?

I often see beginners making big swings instead of keeping their strokes compact. You might feel tempted to hit volleys like groundstrokes, but I want you to focus on short, controlled movements.

Another common mistake is dropping the racket head too low, which makes it harder to control the ball. If you keep your racket in front of you and stay ready, I know you’ll improve quickly. I also suggest that you avoid gripping the racket too tightly—relaxed hands will give you better touch and feel.

Conclusion

Mastering tennis volleys for beginners takes time, but with consistent practice and the right approach, you’ll see improvements quickly. Whether you’re working on your forehand volley, adjusting your hand position, or refining your overall tennis skills, focusing on volleys will make you a more complete player. Keep practicing, stay patient, and soon, you’ll be confidently dominating the net!

Tennis Volleys for Beginners: Mastering the Net Game with 4 Easy Tips