Create Sharp Angles With Volleys: Not Just Pace
The Situation
You are at the net trying to win points with volleys but opponents keep retrieving them.
What To Do
Reduce pace and increase angle. A slow volley at a sharp cross-court angle is harder to retrieve than a fast volley hit straight. Touch and placement beat power at the net.
Why It Works
The best net players use volleys not just to hit winners but to create angles that drag opponents off the court into impossible positions. Power produces predictable, straight balls a defender can block back; a slower volley cut at a sharp cross-court angle sends the ball away from the court and into the side glass, so even a fast opponent cannot reach it and, if they do, they are stretched wide and out of the point. Open the racket face to carve the angle and take pace off, placement and shape beat raw speed at the net. Played to a corner, the angled volley also opens the rest of the court for the next ball.
Court Positioning
Two volley trajectories compared from the same contact point: a fast straight volley the opponent blocks back, versus a slower angle-cut volley that carves cross-court toward the side glass, pulling the opponent off court and out of reach.
Court View
Bird's-eye view: attacking net position
Skill Level
Volley Down at Feet: Not at the Body
You are at the net and receive a medium-height ball you can control.
Stand 1 Metre from the Net: Not 2
You are at the net but keep backing up when opponents wind up for a shot.
Mirror Your Partner's Lateral Movement
You and your partner are both at the net and a ball goes to your partner's side.