Straight Volley Short

Straight Volley Short

As with the drop shot from the middle of the court, you have to be very precise. There is very little margin for error. Hitting the ball on the volley (when generally the ball is dropping) makes this shot very difficult to master. However, if you can master it, you will find you have plenty of opportunities in matches to use it to your advantage. The key is choosing the correct time to play this particular shot. You must be in position and not under too much pressure. Your opponent should be out of position and ideally under a lot pressure.

Straight Volley Short: Forehand

Pete's Top Tip: "In order to play this shot successfully you must arrive in position early and not try to play the ball off balance or in an uncomfortable position. This shot does not have to be an outright winner. You should not always be aiming millimetres above the tin. If you are playing the shot at the correct time in the rally your margin of error can afford to be higher."

Straight Volley Short: Forehand - Keyframe Analysis

1. Approach: I am onto the ball early, my racquet head is up and I am in a position to play any number of shots. I am controlling the middle part of the T and my opponent is very much still on the back wall.

2. Delivery: As the ball drops, I sink into the shot keeping my racquet face open and my eyes on the ball. My opponent is now stuck right behind me and until I strike the ball he has nowhere left to go.

3. Impact: At impact the racquet head comes down and is practically fully extended whilst my body remains perfectly still. My opponent has an idea where the ball is going but, still he has no real route there.

4. Follow Through: After impact my racquet head continues on a downward path and then through towards the front corner where the ball is heading. My opponent still has not moved towards the ball and is now in the awkward position of moving without really knowing where the ball is going. I then clear the ball and move back to the T allowing him through. He hits an excellent recovery lob.

Straight Volley Short: Backhand

Straight Volley Short: Backhand - Keyframe Analysis

1. Approach: During this rally I have made my opponent do a fair amount of work and he has managed to hit a reasonable lob. However, because I am in a strong position in the rally, I approach this shot very aggressively.

2. Delivery: The ball is coming down from a great height and both feet are actually off the ground. However, my preparation is good enough for me to feel confident in going short. My body is still. I have taken a full swing and my opponent is under extreme pressure. This is the right time to attack the ball short.

3. Impact: At impact the racquet head is at the highest point in this swing and my arm is fully extended. Although I am facing the back wall the important thing is that my body is perfectly still. My opponent is back on his heels. The hardest movement for him to make is into the front backhand corner.

4. Follow Through: After impact my racquet follows the ball directly to the corner. A common fault is to pull the racquet head down to try and force the ball low into the corner. This only means more mistakes and less accuracy on the shot. Finish the shot fully, including the follow through, before moving.