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Player practice guide

Moving-In Volley Fundamentals

15 min PartnerBeginner–IntermediateMatch play

Understand why and when to use a moving-in volley.

Best for: players with a basic volley who need to coordinate forward movement and contact.

Goal

Move from ready position into a compact volley and finish with a balanced step towards the target.

Success today

Land 12 of 16 moving volleys beyond the service line while stopping inside the balance zone.

Watch before court

Technique reference

Approaching the Net in Singles · 1:30

Technique reference—not the full drill. Watch the approach timing, forward split-step and balanced first-volley position.

Open video on YouTube

Arrive ready

Before you go

  • One hitting partner who can feed gently
  • 16+ tennis balls
  • 4 flat cones
  • Approximately 15 minutes of court time

Court blueprint

Set up the court

Moving-in volley and balance zoneStart behind the service line, move towards the partner’s feed, volley into the deep target and stop balanced inside the marked forward zone.NETDeep targetYouPartner

Start behind the service line, move towards the partner’s feed, volley into the deep target and stop balanced inside the marked forward zone.

  • Ball direction
  • Player movement
  • Recovery
  • Target zone
  1. 01Mark a start line behind the service line and a balance zone two steps forward.
  2. 02Place a large deep target.
  3. 03Ask the partner for alternating forehand and backhand feeds.

Step by step

Your 15-minute practice

  1. 0–3 min

    Move and freeze

    • Shadow two forward steps and stop inside the balance zone.
    • Keep the racket in front.

  2. 8 feeds · 4 min

    Add forehand volleys

    • Move through eight gentle forehand feeds.
    • Step towards the deep target.

  3. 8 feeds · 4 min

    Add backhand volleys

    • Repeat with eight backhand feeds.
    • Recover to the start line after each ball.

  4. 16 feeds · 4 min

    Alternate sixteen balls

    • Let the partner mix both sides.
    • Aim for twelve deep, balanced volleys.

Remember

Three player cues

  • Racket stays in front.
  • Move before the feed arrives.
  • Stop balanced after contact.

Avoid these

Common mistakes

  • Swinging while running
  • Contacting with the feet crossed
  • Continuing too close to the net after the volley

Keep the same purpose

Adjust the challenge

Make it easier

Begin closer to the balance zone and feed from the service line.

Make it harder

Increase feed pace and add a second live volley after each balanced first contact.

Keep it safe

Keep the forward path clear and pause if a ball stops inside the balance zone.

Continue later

Related drills

Forehand Volley Fundamentals15 min · PartnerVolley Approach to the Net15 min · PartnerVolley Basics15 min · Coach / feeder