Cross Volley Long

Cross Volley Long

When trying to hit the volley deep into the back corners I have to ensure that the height the ball hits the front wall is correct. A common error is to hit the ball too hard and low on the front wall, therefore leaving the ball short on the court and turning an attacking position into a defensive one. I find, for both the straight and cross court volley long, you must make sure the follow through deliberately directs the ball off the front wall into the back corners.

Cross Volley Long: Forehand

Pete's Top Tip: "When you are hitting a volley deep from the middle your star is normally on the ascendancy. Therefore, you really must hold your position and be very deliberate with your shot. Your opponent will be coming back towards the middle. Do not feel rushed, take your time and finish the shot."

Cross Volley Long: Forehand - Keyframe Analysis

1. Approach: My opponent is under considerable pressure and has managed to squeeze the ball out straight from the back corner. I have already moved across from the T and I am holding my position waiting for the ball and an appropriate time to hit it. Although my body is facing the front wall, I have the option to play any shot from this position.

2. Delivery: My racquet is fully pulled back and my weight is firmly on my back leg. The delivery is generic, allowing me to decide at a very late stage which shot I should like to hit. This also means that my opponent is left guessing until the very last split second.

3. Impact: At impact I take the ball way out in front of me and high above my head. I am in a solid position. My arm is fully extended and the racquet face is fully open. My body weight transfers quite aggressively to ensure the correct weight of shot. My opponent is already heading towards the area to which the ball is going. However, because I added extra power, the ball will still reach the back corner.

4. Follow Through: The racquet comes across the body to help the ball's path across the court and into the corner. Again it helps my movement and transfer of weight back to the T.

Cross Volley Long: Backhand

Cross Volley Long: Backhand - Keyframe Analysis

1. Approach: Having just put my opponent under extreme pressure in the front left corner, he has pushed up a poor cross court lob. I want to get onto it very early to maintain the pressure. My first step on the approach is incredibly positive and you can see I am hunting the ball.

2. Delivery: Both feet are actually off the ground as I strive to take the ball as early as possible. The racquet is fully prepared and my weight is equally balanced. My opponent has just pulled himself up from retrieving his last shot.

3. Impact: I am actually several inches off the ground at impact and I take the ball way out in front of me and high above my head. I am in a solid position. My arm is fully extended and the racquet face is fully open.

4. Follow Through: THIS IS IMPORTANT! SO PLEASE LISTEN! Because of the difficult nature of the shot I played here, it is crucial the follow through maintains the line and height of the ball towards the front wall really propelling it on its way. The end result here is a great length and control of the T.