ART-620: The Low Volley β Technique for Below-Net Shots
Executive Summary
The low volley is one of the most challenging shots in tennis β contacting the ball below net height with enough control to clear the net and land in the court. It requires deep knee bend, an open racket face, backspin, and exceptional touch. The low volley is the dividing line between average and elite net players: those who can handle low balls consistently at the net can dominate points, while those who cannot are vulnerable to hard, low passing shots.
The Physics of the Low Volley
When the ball arrives below net height, you must hit upward to clear the net, which naturally reduces forward pace. The backspin (created by an open face and high-to-low swing path) provides lift through the Magnus effect β the spinning ball curves upward, allowing a flatter trajectory that clears the net by a smaller margin. The key equation: open face + upward swing path + backspin = net clearance with minimal loss of pace.
Body Positioning
The low volley requires getting low β much lower than most players think necessary. Bend both knees deeply until your racket face is at the same height as the ball. The back should remain straight (not hunched over) to maintain balance. The hips drop toward the ground, and the weight settles on the balls of the feet. The head remains still and level, tracking the ball into the racket face. Getting low is non-negotiable β there is no way to compensate for standing upright.
Racket Face and Swing Path
The racket face must be open approximately 20-35 degrees (more open for lower balls). The swing path is high-to-low with a slight upward component at contact. Think of "cradling" the ball with the racket face β you are lifting it over the net rather than driving it. The follow-through is short and continues in the direction of the target, with the racket face leading. The wrist must be firm β any deflection at contact sends the ball off-target.
The Low Forehand Volley
On the forehand side, the left foot (for right-handed players) steps toward the ball, and the body lowers through knee bend. The racket face is open, and the swing path lifts the ball over the net. Aim for the deep corners β the low forehand volley is primarily a control shot, not a winner. The continental grip allows the natural open face without wrist adjustment.
The Low Backhand Volley
The low backhand volley is slightly easier than the forehand because the continental grip naturally presents a more open face on the backhand side. The right foot steps forward, the body lowers, and the racket brushes under the ball to create backspin and lift. The non-dominant hand (right hand for right-handed players) supports the racket throat for stability.
Low Volley vs. Half-Volley
The distinction between a low volley and a half-volley is timing: if you contact the ball before the bounce, it is a low volley; if immediately after the bounce, it is a half-volley. The low volley is generally preferred because you contact the ball further from the opponent (more time for them to react) and at a higher point (easier to clear the net). The half-volley is the backup when you cannot reach the ball before it bounces.
Common Low Volley Errors
Standing upright (failing to bend knees) β the most common error and the cause of most low volley failures. Closing the racket face β sends the ball into the net. Opening the face too much β the ball pops up weakly. Swinging too hard β defeats the purpose of a control shot. Not stepping toward the ball β loss of reach and balance. Breaking the wrist β inconsistent contact and direction.
Tactical Application
Use the low volley to: (1) handle hard, low passing shots, (2) neutralize aggressive baseliners who keep the ball low, (3) redirect pace on returns of serve in doubles, (4) hit sharp angles from low positions (the open face allows sharper angles), and (5) set up the next shot by keeping the ball low and forcing the opponent to hit up. The low volley is primarily a survival shot β the goal is to keep the ball in play and buy time for a better opportunity.
The Drop Volley from Low Positions
A variation of the low volley is the drop volley from below net height. This requires an even more open face and softer touch β the ball barely clears the net and dies immediately. It is a high-risk, high-reward shot because the margin for error is minimal. Only attempt drop volleys from low positions when you are well-balanced and have time to set up.
Low Volley Drills
The "low volley feed" drill has a coach feed balls at knee height that the player must volley back. The "get low" drill emphasizes knee bend without hitting β just dropping to the correct height. The "low volley target" drill rewards accurate low volleys landing in target zones. The "low volley competition" game exchanges low volleys cooperatively, with errors penalized.
Surface Considerations
On grass, low volleys are the norm because the ball stays low after the bounce. On clay, the higher bounce means true low volleys are rare β most balls can be taken at waist height or above. On hard courts, the frequency of low volleys depends on the opponent's style β flat hitters produce more low balls, while heavy topspin players produce higher-bouncing shots. Adjust your net position: closer on grass (for lower contact), slightly deeper on clay (for higher contact).
Summary
The low volley is the ultimate test of net technique. Getting low, opening the face, and creating backspin are the mechanical keys. Practice low volleys until the knee bend becomes automatic β the ball will always come lower than you expect, and your body must be ready.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low volley into net | Standing upright, face closed | Net violation, lost point | Bend knees deeply, open face 20-35 degrees |
| Low volley pops up | Face too open, excessive lift | Easy mid-court ball for opponent | Reduce face angle, add more forward drive |
| Cannot reach wide low volleys | Poor footwork, slow reaction | Frame shots, missed volleys | Drill lateral movement with knee bend |
| Wrist breaks on low volley | Grip too soft, ball pushes racket back | Erratic direction, inconsistency | Increase grip pressure, lock wrist |
| Low volley lacks direction | Inconsistent face angle | Erratic placement | Drill consistent face angle, use target practice |
Practical Application: "Bend, Don't Reach"
When the ball is low, your instinct is to reach down with your arm. Resist this. Instead, bend your knees to get your whole body to the ball's level. The racket face meets the ball at its height rather than reaching down from above. This maintains balance, control, and consistency.