The backhand volley should be one handed and utilize a continental grip. Holding the racquet by the throat with the non-dominate hand creates a controlled backswing. Taking the racquet head back with the left hand (for right handers) and the racquet head pulled back near the left ear. The elbow will be almost as high as the wrist and the racquet face will be pointed up to the sky. The key here is to have the elbow up, away from the body. From this horizontal position one can pull the handle down and forward to straighten the strings at impact and create backspin. The shoulders will turn slightly towards the ball and the right foot will step forward because of the shoulder leaning into the shot. The body weight should leaning in towards the net which makes the step necessary.
For faster, reflex volleys the racquet head will not be taken back as far. The hand will still be in front of the racquet head leading with the knuckles on the hit. The shoulders do not turn as much for a faster incoming ball.
This same arm position on the volley is the key to underspin. The backhand volley underspin allows us to hit low balls with more spin to control the depth of the volley.
We also use this backhand volley motion on slice or underspin backhand hit from the baseline. The only difference here is the body is more involved with rotation and the backswing is larger.
To practice hitting a backspin volley, try to hit with a partner over the net but within the service boxes. Let the ball bounce then using a small backswing, slide the racquet strings under the ball. Keep practicing until you can control the depth and amount of spin on these shots.
Doug Hofer, USPTA June 28, 2004
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