ART-0687: The Volley Against the Return with Early Direction — Handling Aggressive Taking of the Ball
Executive Summary
Some aggressive returners take the ball early — hitting it on the rise or immediately after the bounce — to reduce the net player's reaction time. When you are the net player facing early-direction returns, you must position deeper, anticipate more, and use the block volley to handle the reduced reaction time. Early-direction returns are a hallmark of aggressive doubles players.
The Early-Direction Return
The early-direction return: (1) is hit on the rise or immediately after the bounce, (2) arrives at the net faster than a deep return, (3) reduces the net player's reaction time. At the net, the early-direction return gives you less time to react — you must anticipate and be ready.
Technique for Handling Early-Direction Returns
Against early-direction returns: (1) position slightly deeper at the net (6-9 feet) for more reaction time, (2) anticipate based on the returner's patterns, (3) use the block volley (the pace and early timing demand it), (4) hold the racket in front of your body, (5) stay on the balls of your feet. The key is anticipation and the block volley.
Common Errors
Positioning too close to the net (insufficient reaction time). Not anticipating (always reacting late). Using a punch volley instead of a block (the early ball is too fast). Not holding the racket in front (slow reaction).
Summary
Early-direction returns demand deeper positioning, anticipation, and the block volley. Position deeper, anticipate the direction, and block the ball.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Too close to net for early returns | Standard positioning | Insufficient reaction time | Move deeper, 6-9 feet |
| Does not anticipate early returns | Pure reaction | Late volleys | Study returner's patterns, anticipate |
| Uses punch volley on early returns | Wrong shot choice | Late contact | Use block volley for early returns |
| Racket not in front | Lazy preparation | Slow reaction | Hold racket in front at chest height |
Practical Application: "Deeper, Anticipate, Block"
Against early-direction returns: (1) position deeper, (2) anticipate the direction, (3) use the block volley. The early ball demands faster reactions — prepare for it.