Player practice guide
Volley Approach to the Net
15 min PartnerIntermediateMatch play
Use a controlled volley to approach and establish position at the net.
Best for: players who can volley but stop moving after the first approach contact.
Goal
Use a deep first volley to continue forward and establish a balanced net position for the next ball.
Success today
Complete 8 of 12 approach patterns with a first volley beyond the service line and a split-step inside the marked net 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 YouTubeArrive ready
Before you go
- One hitting partner who can feed and pass
- Tennis balls
- 4 flat cones
- Approximately 15 minutes of court time
Court blueprint
Set up the court
Move through the first volley near the service line, send it deep and continue to the marked net zone before the partner supplies the next ball.
- Ball direction
- Player movement
- Recovery
- Target zone
- 01Mark a first-volley zone near the service line and a balanced net zone two steps forward.
- 02Place a deep target in the opposite court.
- 03Ask your partner to feed the first volley, then send a second controlled ball.
Step by step
Your 15-minute practice
0–3 min
Walk the two positions
- Shadow the first volley and two forward recovery steps.
- Split at the net-zone cone.
8 feeds · 4 min
Drive the first volley deep
- Ask for eight controlled feeds near the service line.
- Aim beyond the opposite service line.
7–11 min
Add the second ball
- Continue forward after the deep volley.
- Play the next controlled ball from a balanced split-step.
12 patterns · 4 min
Score twelve approaches
- Count deep first volley and correct net position together.
- Aim for eight successes.
Remember
Three player cues
- First volley buys time.
- Move after contact.
- Split before the next ball.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Trying to finish from the service line
- Stopping after the first volley
- Closing so far that a lob becomes impossible to cover
Keep the same purpose
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Use slower feeds and remove the second ball until the first-volley route is consistent.
Make it harder
Let the partner choose a passing shot or lob after the first volley.
Keep it safe
Keep the approach lane clear and stop whenever a loose ball remains between the service line and net.
Continue later