ART-0634: The Volley Against Body Shots β Defending Your Center
Executive Summary
Shots hit directly at the net player's body are among the most difficult to handle because there is no time for a full swing and limited space to extend the racket. The body shot volley requires a compact block, exceptional reflexes, and the ability to redirect pace without a backswing. In doubles, body shots are a deliberate tactic used to force weak volleys from the net player. Mastering the body volley is essential for any player who competes at the net.
The Challenge of Body Shots
Body shots present three challenges: (1) there is no time for a full backswing β the ball arrives in under 300 milliseconds, (2) there is limited space to extend the racket β your body is in the way, and (3) the ball's pace makes it difficult to control direction β the racket deflects backward on impact. The result is that body shots often produce weak volleys that the opponent can easily attack.
The Block Technique for Body Shots
The body volley uses a pure block technique: (1) hold the racket in front of your body at chest height with the continental grip, (2) keep the wrist firm β no breaking, (3) present a slightly closed racket face to counteract the ball's pace, (4) absorb the incoming pace by allowing the arm to flex slightly at the elbow, (5) redirect the ball by angling the racket face rather than swinging. The key is to use the opponent's pace against them β let the ball bounce off your racket.
The "Racket in Front" Position
The best defense against body shots is positioning the racket in front of your body at all times when at the net. Hold the racket at chest height, with both hands on the grip (non-dominant hand on the throat for stability). This "racket in front" position minimizes the distance the racket must travel to meet a body shot. Many body shot errors occur because the racket is held too low or too far to the side, requiring a last-moment reach that produces frame shots.
Directional Control on Body Volleys
When blocking a body shot, directional control comes entirely from racket face angle β there is no time for swing path to influence direction. Angle the face slightly cross-court for a standard redirect, or slightly down-the-line for a more aggressive shot. The amount of angle depends on the incoming pace β harder shots require less face adjustment. Do not try to do too much with a body volley β the goal is to keep the ball in play and avoid an error.
The Forehand vs. Backhand Body Volley
Forehand body volleys are slightly easier because the arm's natural position is in front of the body on the forehand side. Backhand body volleys are more difficult because the arm must reach across the body, reducing stability. Practice both forehand and backhand body volleys β in match play, you cannot predict which side the body shot will come to.
Common Body Shot Errors
Ducking or turning away β this is a natural reflex but results in missing the ball entirely. Swinging at the ball β there is no time for a swing, resulting in late contact. Dropping the racket β holding the racket too low to react in time. Breaking the wrist β the ball's pace deflects the racket backward, sending the ball off-target. Trying to do too much β attempting a winner from a body shot position, resulting in errors.
Tactical Application
Against body shots: (1) keep the racket in front of your body at all times, (2) use the block technique β absorb and redirect, (3) aim for the safest target (usually cross-court or down-the-middle), (4) do not try for winners β keep the ball in play, (5) recover quickly for the next shot. In doubles, body shots are used deliberately to force weak volleys β if you are the target, focus on keeping the ball deep to limit the opponent's follow-up.
In Doubles: Giving Body Shots
In doubles, hitting body shots at the opposing net player is a deliberate tactic. Aim for the net player's hip or chest β the most difficult areas to volley. Body shots force the net player to block rather than attack, giving your partner an opportunity to poach on the next shot. The body shot is particularly effective against net players who hold their racket too far to one side.
Body Shot Drills
The "body shot feed" drill has a coach hit balls directly at the net player's body, forcing block volleys. The "racket in front" drill practices maintaining the racket position and reacting to random feeds. The "body shot competition" game rewards successful body volley blocks. The "doubles body shot" drill practices giving and receiving body shots in doubles situations.
Summary
Body shots are among the most difficult volleys in tennis, requiring a compact block, firm wrist, and the ability to redirect pace without a swing. Keep the racket in front of your body at all times, use the block technique, and focus on keeping the ball in play rather than hitting winners. With practice, body volleys become a reliable defensive tool that keeps you in points you would otherwise lose.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body volley goes long | Wrist breaks on impact | Ball past baseline | Firm wrist, absorb pace |
| Body volley missed | Racket not in front, ducking | Lost point | Maintain racket in front, face the ball |
| Cannot redirect body shots | Swinging instead of blocking | Late contact, frame shots | Use block technique, no swing |
| Body volley lacks direction | No face angle control | Erratic placement | Practice face angle adjustments |
| Turns away from body shot | Fear reflex | Missed shot | Mental training, face the ball |
Practical Application: "Be the Wall"
On body shots, be a wall. The racket is the wall, and the ball bounces off it. No swinging, no effort β just present a stable surface and let the ball's pace do the work. Angle the wall (racket face) to redirect the ball where you want it to go.