ART-464: Low Backhand Volley
Executive Summary
The low backhand volley is a challenging shot that requires getting low, opening the racket face, and using a soft touch. It is used when the ball is below net height and the player is at the net. Mastering this shot allows the player to handle low balls effectively and stay in the point.
When to Use the Low Backhand Volley
The low backhand volley is used when the ball is below net height and the player is at the net. This situation commonly arises when the opponent hits a low, skidding return or when the player is approaching the net behind a low shot.
The low volley is a defensive shot, as the player cannot hit down on the ball. The goal is to keep the ball in play and redirect it to a difficult position for the opponent.
Technique for the Low Backhand Volley
The low backhand volley requires the player to get low, bending the knees and lowering the center of gravity. The racket face should be open, with the racket head above the wrist. The swing is short and punchy, with the racket meeting the ball in front of the body.
The player should use a soft touch, allowing the racket to absorb the ball's energy and redirect it. The follow-through should be short, with the racket finishing around waist height.
Body Position for the Low Volley
The body position for the low volley requires getting low, with the knees bent and the center of gravity lowered. The player should be balanced and ready to move in any direction. The racket should be held out in front of the body, with the racket face open.
Players who fail to get low often struggle to handle the low volley, resulting in mishits and errors. Developing the habit of getting low is essential for an effective low volley.
Common Low Volley Errors
One common error is failing to get low, resulting in mishits and errors. Another is using a closed racket face, resulting in the ball going into the net. Some players also use a hard swing, resulting in the ball going long.
Players who struggle with the low volley often benefit from drills that emphasize getting low and using a soft touch. Practicing the low volley with a focus on these elements helps develop the technique needed for an effective shot.
Drills for the Low Volley
Several drills help develop the low volley. The "low volley drill" involves having a partner feed low balls and practicing the volley, focusing on getting low and using a soft touch. The "wall drill" involves hitting low volleys against a wall, focusing on the racket face and the soft touch. The "transition drill" involves hitting an approach shot and then moving forward to hit a low volley, developing the full transition game.
Players should incorporate these drills into their regular practice routine, focusing on developing the technique needed for an effective low volley.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volley goes into net | Racket face closed or swing too hard | Net errors | Open racket face; use soft touch |
| Volley goes long | Racket face too open or swing too hard | Out errors | Close racket face slightly; use soft touch |
| Cannot get low | Bending at waist instead of knees | Mishits, errors | Bend knees; lower center of gravity |
| Cannot handle low ball | Not getting low or racket face wrong | Mishits, errors | Develop getting low; drill low volley |
| Cannot stay in point | Volley too weak or too slow | Opponent finishes | Develop controlled volley; drill defensive situations |
Practical Application: "The Low Volley Practice"
Stand at the net and have a partner feed low balls to your backhand side. Practice hitting ten low backhand volleys, focusing on getting low, opening the racket face, and using a soft touch. Count how many volleys land in the court and how many stay low. Track progress over sessions to ensure the low volley is developing correctly.