# The Volley and the Net Game · Tennis Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-3/the-volley-and-the-net-game/)

The Volley and the Net Game in Tennis (Level 3: Pre-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: volley technique; and more.

Volley technique, low volleys and half-volleys, footwork for the overhead and defending at the net.

## Test 1: Volley technique

- A racket held in front is ready for a ball on either side. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A firm wrist blocks the ball back with control. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Stepping into the ball moves the body weight forward through contact. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- 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))
- At the net there is no time to swap grips between forehand and backhand volleys. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A firm racket plus forward body weight sends the ball deep. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A racket head above the hand gives a stable, firm contact. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- The closer to the net, the more attacking the position. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A volleyer sets up, picks a side and then punches through the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A volley is struck before the ball bounces. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))

## Test 2: Low volleys and half-volleys

- Getting down brings the eyes and racket level with the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Opening the face a little helps a low ball clear the net. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A half-volley is struck just after the bounce with almost no reaction time. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Staying low and firm keeps the ball from lifting. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A soft touch drops the ball short and makes it hard to attack. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Dropping the legs keeps the head steady and the racket level. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A big swing on a low ball makes the ball fly long. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Contact rises from the ground to above the head. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A player gets ready, gets low, opens the face and punches softly. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A ball close to the ground at the net calls for a low volley. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))

## Test 3: Overhead footwork

- A sideways turn and a step back gets the player under the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Side-steps and crossovers retreat quickly while keeping the body sideways. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- The free arm points at the ball and helps the body stay balanced. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A player who is already under the ball can concentrate on the swing instead of chasing it. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A deep lob is safer after the bounce. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A bounce smash lets a very deep lob drop first, then attacks it. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A shot into open space gives the opponent less chance of a return. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Letting the ball bounce is safest and a full-power corner smash the riskiest. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A deeper lob needs a longer retreat. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Retreating sideways keeps the player under the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))

## Test 4: Defending at the net

- A net player can retreat or hand the ball to the partner. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A soft block uses the opponent's pace and keeps control. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Getting closer to the net reduces the angles for a passing shot. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A ready racket reacts faster to hard shots at the body. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Most players struggle more on the backhand when jammed. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A net player covers the line while the partner protects the middle. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- Moving back gives up the pressure that makes net play effective. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A deep block is safest and a swing the riskiest. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- The closer to the net, the more exposed to a lob. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))
- A net player must cover the ball over the head and the one past the side. (Source: General coaching reference (volley technique))

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.

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