An offensive blow that reduces the opponent's reaction time and allows the match point to be completed. Indeed, today PadelPROShop We will talk about the volley. In padel, the volley is a hit that is made at the top of the court, that is, near the net and that, done well, can serve to win the point. The more precise the volley hit, the less responsive the opponent will be, but to reach perfection you will need to master the waiting position, the impact and the finish.
What is the volley in padel?
The paddle volley is a shot that takes place in areas very close to the net. As in other shots such as the spike, the player does not wait for the ball boat. It is considered an attacking hit, which is why it often represents a direct winning point.
Precision is an essential factor in the volley. This blow hardly allows you to prepare, hence the importance of anticipating as much as possible before the impact. The push of the body and the blow to the front are two basic gestures for its proper execution.
One of the advantages of the volley is that it allows us to get ahead of our opponent, or in other words, propose an offensive action that breaks the point. Since the objective is to get ahead of the opponent, the volley requires very fast movements. For example, with the volley we can achieve a double wall or a low shot that is difficult to lift.
Mastering and controlling the network is essential in paddle tennis. Achieving an advanced position in the game and on the court increases the probability of success. The volley allows you to be very aggressive, although it is advisable to place the ball without being excessively combative since it is a more difficult shot to control.
Difference between volley and layup in paddle tennis
The purpose of the hit or the location on the court allows us to differentiate the volley and the layup. The execution or height of the hit are also distinctive aspects.
In the case of the layup, we normally use this shot to defend and not lose the net. However, after the layup the player will have to go up and volley. With the volley we managed to change from a defensive attitude from which we came with the layup to an attacking situation.
Volley techniques in padel
The grip, body position, preparation and impact form the volley stroke in padel. By mastering these four aspects, the technique will become an effective routine. In the case of the volley, the recommended grip is the continental or hammer grip.
Right volley
To achieve a correct forehand volley you must follow the following steps:
- Racket up, The elbows are prepared in front of the body and the feet facing the opponent.
- The right shoulder is also positioned towards the opponent. To make the example more visual, imagine that you have a balloon in your hands and that it cannot fall at any time.
- At impact, the hands should still maintain the same distance as in the previous step and the left foot should move forward slightly. The body also leans forward. To improve this technique you can try to coordinate the impact with the drop of the foot.
Backhand volley
The backhand volley technique shares practically the same execution as the forehand volley. In this situation, at the moment of impact, the left hand separates from the shovel and the left arm is extended backwards. Likewise, the body and the right foot move forward.
Padel volley for beginners
How to improve the volley?
If you have not yet mastered the volley technique, here are a couple of tips to improve your shot:
- To progress your body positioning during the volley you can block your arms with a ball tube placed under your armpits. With your elbows in front you will have to try to block the ball and hit it in front of the picky.
- The trick with the volley is to always hit it in front so that it passes the net. If, due to a wrong position, the ball hits the racket behind the body, you will lose quality, depth and control.
- The moment of impact is key but not the only one during the volley. The perfect balance is found between position and impact. Therefore, to improve the right volley you can place a ball under the armpit. The game is to ensure that the ball does not fall. With this dynamic you will ensure that the arm does not separate from the body. Over time you will notice greater control and firmness in your volley.
Volley Foot Placement
The feet during the volley must be placed parallel and at the moment of impact advance the opposite foot to the blow.
How to block a volley in padel?
Blocking the volley will depend on the position and height of the ball. Following these warnings, if the ball goes to the body it is best to block backhand, a more comfortable and natural shot.
On the other hand, if the situation allows you to hit from the forehand, do without force or the ball will be thrown against the glass. Consequently, to block from the right it will only be necessary keep the shovel steady without vibrating and accompanying the weight of the body forward.
