LEARN & PLAY
Volleys for Beginners
A volley is when you hit the ball before it bounces. Once you understand that, the basic movement is simple: keep your paddle up, meet the ball in front and stay in control.
10 SEPT 2026 - 3 MIN READ
Scott · Pickled to Play
What is a volley?
A volley is a shot you play before the ball bounces.
Instead of waiting for the ball to hit the court, you meet it in the air and control it back towards your partner or opponent.
For now, don’t worry about hitting it hard. The focus is on paddle position, clean contact and control.
The simple volley
Keep the movement small and uncomplicated.
Paddle up
Paddle in front
Hands in front of your body
Small movement
Contact in front
Recover quickly to ready
You don’t need a big swing.
Think about meeting the ball out in front, controlling it back and getting your paddle ready again.
What it should look like
Imagine your partner gently sending the ball towards you.
Instead of letting it bounce, meet the ball in front of your body with a short movement.
Control it back towards your partner, then return the paddle immediately to your ready position.
Keep everything calm and compact.
Try it
Start with a partner and keep the feeds gentle.
Stand behind the kitchen line.
Have your partner gently feed the ball towards you.
Volley it back under control.
Try 5 controlled volleys, then swap.
Once that feels comfortable, try a cooperative volley rally.
Aim for 3 volleys in a row.
Then try for 5.
The goal is not to overpower your partner.
It is to keep the paddle in a good position and control the ball.
Keep it safe
Don’t stand close together and smash balls at each other.
This exercise is about paddle position and control, not maximum speed.
Keep the feeds comfortable and give each other enough time to react.
Why this matters
Volleys introduce you to hitting the ball before it bounces.
Keeping the paddle up and the movement small makes it easier to control the ball and recover quickly for whatever comes next.
The more comfortable this position becomes, the easier it is to stay ready during a rally.
Quick check
Does a volley bounce before you hit it?
No. A volley is hit before the ball bounces.
Do you need a big swing?
No. Keep the movement small and controlled.
Remember
Paddle up.
Contact in front.
Keep the movement small.
Get ready again.
Want to practise this on court?
Volleys are much easier to learn when you can practise the movement with controlled feeds and plenty of repetition.
My beginner coaching sessions keep things simple and practical so you can build confidence at your own pace.
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