# The Serve-and-Volleyer · Tennis Level 7: Upper-Advanced

Tennis · Level 7: Upper-Advanced · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-7/the-serve-and-volleyer/)

The Serve-and-Volleyer in Tennis (Level 7: Upper-Advanced) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: serving to come in; and more.

Attacking the net behind the serve and the return: serving to come in, the volleys that follow, chip and charge, and where the style stands in today's game.

## Test 1: Serving to come in

- The server moves in behind the serve so the first ball after the return is a volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A spin serve takes longer to reach the returner, which gives the server extra steps towards the net. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The return comes back quickly, so every step gained before it arrives matters. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Splitting at the returner's contact lets the server move to either side for the first volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Without room to swing, the returner often sends back a weaker, higher ball. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A weaker second serve gives the returner time and a ball to attack the incoming server. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Rushing now and then on the second serve stops the returner from settling on it. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The plan, the run in, the split step and the first volley follow each other. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The slower and loopier the serve, the more time the server has to move in. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Following the direction of the serve puts the volleyer in the middle of the returner's angles. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))

## Test 2: The volleys that follow

- A ball below the tape must be lifted, so the safe aim is depth and a better second volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A ball landing at the feet can only be taken just after the bounce, with a short, firm stroke. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- After the first volley has moved in, the second volley is the chance to put the ball away. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Softening the grip and opening the face absorb the incoming pace, so the ball drops just over the net. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A deep opponent has the longest run to a ball that dies near the net. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The angle volley uses the width of the court to take the ball away from the passer. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Moving in and shading towards the ball covers the likely passing lanes. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The volleyer moves in with each volley, so the first is furthest from the net. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The decision comes from the opponent's position; a soft grip and an early contact make the ball die. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A drop volley lands short; against a deep opponent B is the one that wins. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))

## Test 3: Chip and charge

- A low, skidding slice leaves the server a ball below the net to lift, which the incoming returner can volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A first serve arrives too fast to chip and still move forward in time. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A low, skidding ball makes the server hit up, and the backhand is often the weaker passing shot. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Hitting up gives the incoming returner a higher ball to volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The returner arrives at the net early, so a good passing shot can beat them. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Knowing the returner may rush, the server feels they must make the second serve better. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- On slow courts the chip sits up and the server has time to set up a pass. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The chance comes from the second serve; the chip and the run in set up the volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The slower the serve, the more time the returner has to chip and come in. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Splitting near the service line as the server hits keeps the returner balanced for the first volley. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))

## Test 4: Serve-and-volley in today's game

- Commonly cited reasons are slower surfaces and balls, and returns hit harder with modern rackets and strings. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- A low, fast bounce makes the return harder and the volley easier. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Used sparingly, the rush catches returners who are set up for a baseline rally. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Low, early returns force difficult volleys before the server has closed in. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- Short service points mean less running across a long match. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The lob is the natural reply to a player at the net, so it must be punished. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- An early return reaches the server before they have moved far forward. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The lower and faster the bounce, the better serve-and-volley works. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- An early, low return sets up the pass or lob that follows. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))
- The low, skidding bounce on grass makes a strong return hardest. (Source: General coaching reference (net play))

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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