In soft tennis, a volley is a shot where you hit the ball before it touches the ground. Instead of waiting for the ball to bounce, you meet it in the air and strike it back over the net.
Players usually perform volleys while standing close to the net to finish a point quickly. Because soft tennis uses a lighter, more flexible rubber ball compared to regular tennis, timing and a short, controlled swing are essential.
Key Characteristics of a Volley
- No Bounce: You must strike the ball while it is still in flight.
- Net Play: Most players move toward the net (the “forecourt”) to execute this move.
- Short Swing: You don’t use a full backswing. Instead, you use a firm, “punching” motion to redirect the ball’s energy.
- Speed: It takes time away from your opponent, forcing them to react much faster.
Types of Volleys
| Type | Description |
| Forehand Volley | You hit the ball on your dominant side with your palm facing the net. |
| Backhand Volley | You hit the ball on your non-dominant side with the back of your hand facing the net. |
| Low Volley | You hit a ball that is sinking below the height of the net, requiring you to bend your knees deeply. |
| Smash (Overhead) | A powerful, downward volley used to respond to a high “lob” from the opponent. |
Why use a Volley?
In soft tennis, the ball can have a lot of unpredictable spin once it hits the ground. By volleying, you eliminate the bounce, giving your opponent less time to get into position and making it much harder for them to defend.