Player practice guide
Net Game Volley
15 min PartnerIntermediateMatch play
Understand why and when to use the volley in net play.
Best for: players who can volley but need to choose depth, angle and recovery within a net-point pattern.
Goal
Use a deep first volley, adjust net position and finish only when the next ball is clearly attackable.
Success today
Complete 7 of 10 two-volley patterns with the first ball deep and the second in the called open target.
Watch before court
Technique reference
Tricks for Great Volley Contact · 3:23
Technique reference—not the full drill. Watch the contact position, stable racket face and compact movement used on the volley.
Open video on YouTubeArrive ready
Before you go
- One hitting partner who can feed and pass
- Tennis balls
- 5 flat cones
- Approximately 15 minutes of court time
Court blueprint
Set up the court
Play the first partner feed deep from near the service line, recover towards the net centre and direct the second volley into the called open target.
- Ball direction
- Player movement
- Recovery
- Target zone
- 01Mark a deep first-volley target and two finishing targets.
- 02Start near the service line while the partner starts at the baseline.
- 03The partner feeds one first volley, then a controlled passing ball.
Step by step
Your 15-minute practice
0–3 min
Separate build and finish
- Play four deep first volleys and four short finishing volleys.
- Keep the preparation compact for both.
3–7 min
Build with the first volley
- Aim beyond the service line and continue forward.
- Split as the partner sends the second ball.
7–11 min
Read the open target
- Ask the partner to call line or crosscourt.
- Finish only after the deep first volley.
10 patterns · 4 min
Score ten patterns
- Count both placements and the recovery between them.
- Aim for seven complete patterns.
Remember
Three player cues
- First volley creates position.
- Recover before the second ball.
- Finish into space, not at the line.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Trying to finish with the first volley
- Closing without a split-step
- Showing the finishing direction early
Keep the same purpose
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Use two predictable feeds and one large finishing target.
Make it harder
Let the partner choose passing direction and play the point live after the second volley.
Keep it safe
Keep the service-line area clear and stop whenever a loose ball remains between the players.
Continue later