The Forehand Volley

Step 1: The Grip

To make the volley grip, if you are right-handed, hold the racquet out directly in front of you with your left hand.

Touch the strings with your right thumb and index finger, encircling the top of the frame.

Slide the right hand down the racquet, and close it around the grip. The volley grip is very similar to the standard forehand grip, but with the hand rotated slightly to the left.

If you are left-handed, make the grip in the same way but with the hands reversed.

Step 2: Take your practice position

The best position to practice volleys depends on your height, and is three paces back from the net.

These three paces match your forward movements in the shot. Three - starting position. Two - left foot forward. One - the racquet, and zero the net.

Step 3: The shot

As the ball approaches, first move the racquet, out to the right ready to make the shot.

Then meet the ball moving your left foot diagonally forwards and to the right. Shift your weight onto your left foot as you step to keep your balance as you lean forwards into the shot.

The racquet arm should be almost straight, with the wrist bent slightly backwards.

Lean the racquet head back slightly, so it faces upwards as you hit the ball. This will give you better control over your shot.

If your racquet faces downwards, the ball will probably end up in the net.

Unlike for a baseline shot, there is no need to swing the racquet. Close to the net, a light touch should be enough to propel the ball into the other court.

It should feel as if the racquet is a wall from which the ball rebounds, not as if you are hitting the ball with the racquet.

The ideal racquet position for a forehand volley is with the shaft pointing slightly upwards, so the top of the racquet head is at eye level.

You can raise the racquet to volley high balls.

To volley from below the net, bend your knees to lower your whole body to the level of the ball.

Playing a volley with the racquet in the correct position - at eye level and in front of the line of the body - keeps racquet and ball central in your field of vision throughout the shot. You can learn more about this important aspect of play in the Videojug tennis series video on hand to eye coordination.