Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.4
The Volley and the Net Game
4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Volley technique, low volleys and half-volleys, footwork for the overhead and defending at the net.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1Volley techniqueTake a test
A racket held in front is ready for a ball on either side.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A firm wrist blocks the ball back with control.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Stepping into the ball moves the body weight forward through contact.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Contact in front and a little to the side gives control and leaves time to react; coaches tell players to keep the racket up in front of the chest and to avoid hitting from straight on.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
At the net there is no time to swap grips between forehand and backhand volleys.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A firm racket plus forward body weight sends the ball deep.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A racket head above the hand gives a stable, firm contact.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
The closer to the net, the more attacking the position.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A volleyer sets up, picks a side and then punches through the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
A volley is struck before the ball bounces.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
Test 2Low volleys and half-volleysTake a test
Getting down brings the eyes and racket level with the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Opening the face a little helps a low ball clear the net.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A half-volley is struck just after the bounce with almost no reaction time.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Staying low and firm keeps the ball from lifting.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A soft touch drops the ball short and makes it hard to attack.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Dropping the legs keeps the head steady and the racket level.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A big swing on a low ball makes the ball fly long.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Contact rises from the ground to above the head.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A player gets ready, gets low, opens the face and punches softly.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
A ball close to the ground at the net calls for a low volley.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
Test 3Overhead footworkTake a test
A sideways turn and a step back gets the player under the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Side-steps and crossovers retreat quickly while keeping the body sideways.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
The free arm points at the ball and helps the body stay balanced.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A player who is already under the ball can concentrate on the swing instead of chasing it.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A deep lob is safer after the bounce.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A bounce smash lets a very deep lob drop first, then attacks it.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A shot into open space gives the opponent less chance of a return.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Letting the ball bounce is safest and a full-power corner smash the riskiest.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A deeper lob needs a longer retreat.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Retreating sideways keeps the player under the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
Test 4Defending at the netTake a test
A net player can retreat or hand the ball to the partner.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A soft block uses the opponent's pace and keeps control.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Getting closer to the net reduces the angles for a passing shot.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A ready racket reacts faster to hard shots at the body.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Most players struggle more on the backhand when jammed.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A net player covers the line while the partner protects the middle.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
Moving back gives up the pressure that makes net play effective.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A deep block is safest and a swing the riskiest.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
The closer to the net, the more exposed to a lob.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · recall
A net player must cover the ball over the head and the one past the side.
Source: General coaching reference (volley technique) · applied
Sources
ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.
- General coaching reference (volley technique)40