Long-Term Development
- Even if this is not your current style of play, each player must become well rounded and develop the ability to play the net well.
- Make an effort to come forward in tournament matches that you can normally win each set with two breaks and practice coming to net more often. Play entire practice matches by serving and volleying or 2nd serve return and come in.
- PRACTICE MORE OVERHEADS. It’s good for your serve too.
- If you are confident with your volleys and overheads you are more likely to come to net.
Recognition
- Create opportunities to come to net with your serve, aggressive return and with better court positioning.
- Know and feel that when you strike the ball that you may have put your opponent on the defense and prepare for offense with your recovery.
- Read the players posture, body language and racket face to get a better jump on the short ball or the floater.
Technical
- Refine your grips, ready position, split step, footwork, contact point, shorten your swing length on faster balls, recovery and position for the next ball.
- SHADOW TO DEVELOP BETTER TECHNIQUE
Tactical
- Serve and volley
- 2nd serve return and come in
- Look for the short ball and transition quickly
- Hit a great shot and look for the floater, “sneak attack.”
- Hit a drop shot and follow it in
Footwork
- Aggressive – front foot hop
- Short ball you can’t set up on – outside foot, stride through during contact.
- Transfer step on aggressive mid court balls
Patterns of Play and Implementation
- Serve to make the returner feel uncomfortable: rush them with speed, stretch them, jam them, mix spins, speeds and spots. Keep them guessing and off balance to create a good ball to volley or to get a short ball.
- Attacking returns or chip and charge: Return wide serve cross court, return tee serves down the line. MAKE SURE YOU USE AN AGGRESSIVE COURT POSITION INSIDE THE BASELINE.
- Primary approach shot down the line – reduce passing shot angles.
- Primary first volley: Low volley – go behind them deep. High volley – short angle into open court (cross court inside service box).
