Chris Aria - Question:

Hey Sergio,

What are the best ways to develop good movement at the net? I have noticed in watching modern players that without exception, they all possess poor movement skills around the net, Roger Federer included! 

Thanks,

Chris Aria  

Answer:

Chris, glad you asked. 

To be honest there are no 'best ways' to develop movement at the net.

Attackers, serve and volleyers, chip and chargers and the rest of net players are born.

In other words it is a natural inborn instinct in them which drives them forward to attack.

Having said that, can anyone become a better attacker?

After a career of stalemate, we saw Andy Roddick improving his net game with Larry Stefansky, by doing the things I have been preaching on this website for years e.g. http://www.tenniscruz.com/content/view/54/126/

Nevertheless, movement at the net is instinctive and simple.

Anyone who follows the line of the ball he/she just stroked and makes a split step followed by a diagonal forward movement will make the volley*.

* No need to work on your movement if you do not have developed solid volleys first.

One of the reasons some of today's tennis players sometimes look ridiculous at the net, Federer included, is that they do not move forward towards the ball and the net to close-in and hit the ball at the highest point possible.

Some other reasons for the lack of success at the net by pro players:

The approach shot is a huge topspin cross court acceleration from behind the baseline which leaves players with no time to even get to the service line.

1. Because the ball has topsin it will generally bounce perfectly within your opponents striking zone (waist level).

2. Attack only when you are inside the court at least one or two meters (3 to 6 feet). This will allow you a shorter distance to either get to the service line or inside the service box for your first volley. Many modern tennis players overestimated their capabilities and attack from behind the baseline to find themselves either passed or facing daunting volleys.

3. Use the slice or a flatter shot which will not bounce and stay low to force your opponents to bend deep on their knees and have huge difficulties getting under the ball with their 'modern grips'.

4. Pace the attack ball in such a way that you will not fall easy prey to your opponents passing, but which allows you time enough to move in and get to the service line or inside the service box.

You can attack cross court if your opponents position warrants it, but down the line attacks are generally more successful.

The best way to mount a down the line attack is:

1. Displace your opponent at least into the doubles alley, either with a forehand or a backhand cross court, the ensuing ball from your opponent often is short and somewhat in the middle of the court.

2. Get immediately inside the court and take the shorter or weaker shot early down the line opposite to your opponents present position.

3. Remember that you do not need to hit a winner. You are hitting an approach shot that you do not mind your opponent running a while to get to it.

4. What is important, is to keep the ball low and at a pace that allows you to move in forward deep.

5. Stay behind and glued to the line/vector of attack.  If you do this right it will force your opponent to play your down line shot back cross court ( if he/she even gets to it).

6. A fraction of time before your opponent makes contact, make your split step and swiftly move to the side she/he hits the ball to, this movement 'must' be diagonal and forwards.

Split step followed by a forward very broad diagonal step towards the ball. this kind of step is crucial to get the player in optimal volley position.

8. Moving forwards as you volley your first ball is very important.

9. Since about ninety percent of the time your opponents will have to go cross court, you will have the open court all at your disposal to place a nice volley directed away from your opponent. The rare times opponents make a fabulous down the line passing good hands and sometimes angle volleys are required.

Approach-Shot - Attack - DO NOTS

Attention:

- Volleys sometimes require continuous forward movement to avoid the tendency to swing. Maria Kirilenko shows us how.

- Never drop your guard, unless the ball has bounced twice on the other side.

- Be prepared to face opponents which will chase your best volleys.

- Be ready to get a volley on your forehand sideline and run to get the next volley almost on the other sideline with your backhand volley.

- To cap your volley game, you must develop a top class jumped overhead.

The serve and volley obeys the same rules as any attack:

- You must follow the line of your service.

- First serves paced at a speed which allows you to move at least up to the service line or inside of it are a must.

- Make sure you have a top class, first and second serve.

NOTE HERE: I do not mention the 'famous' T-line expression of the service box, because true serve and volleyers know that if they serve wide to the sides their movement will be closer to the sideline where the serve went to provoke two effects:

1. Stop the opponent from returning down the line.

2. Force the opponent to go cross court with the return to allow you an easy/predictable punishing volley into the open court.

- First serves in are a must few can serve and volley on second serves and succeed.

- Variation of speed, spin, pace, placement are a must, deception and surprise are your best friends.

- You must have an assertive, sure/confident well placed and varied first volley.

- When presented with first volley winning opportunities, you must mercilessly execute and finish the points.

- As in the ground attacks in serve and volley you must be capable of great acceleration followed by the precise footwork to align with your volleys then renewed accelerations to close in and make the 'kill' ( finish, poach, put away the volley).

This last aspect of volleying is where almost every professional player of today fails (Federer included) and where players like Rod Laver, John McEnroe and others excelled.

Final Note:

Top class attackers and serve and volleyers have a keen tri-dimensional perception of the tennis court and this is allied to a perfect understanding of the geometry of the court. This is of much lesser importance to baseliners.

Chris, hope I answered, What are the best ways to develop good movement at the net?

Sergio Cruz 

Questions About Tennis Anyone? Feel free to ask, if I can not answer myself, I will research and find the solution to your question. Write directly to me at, cruze (@) bluewin.ch

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