Enhancing your net game in tennis can significantly diversify your repertoire of shots and prove to be a valuable asset during games.
We will discuss some tried-and-true tennis tips to help you refine your skills at the net.
First – Recognize the Right Moment to Approach the Net
A crucial aspect of mastering the net game is understanding when it’s opportune to approach the net. It’s not solely about your court positioning but also about observing your opponent’s actions on the other side.
Assess your opponent’s court position, their balance, and their comfort level with their shot. These factors can guide your decision to move closer to the net.
You can practice this skill with drills that involve spotting the right moment to advance to the net, ensuring you’re well-prepared to make the transition.
Let’s dive right in.
Opt for the Correct Grip
The foundation of your net game, as with any tennis stroke, lies in your grip. Given the delicacy of net shots, choosing the right grip is important. For forehand and backhand volleys, as well as overhead volleys, a continental grip is recommended. As you gain confidence, you can make slight adjustments, such as sliding your palm towards an eastern grip for forehand volleys.
Maintain a Solid Yet Relaxed Grip
While you aim for powerful shots in your net game, avoid gripping your racquet too tightly. A firm but adaptable grip is essential, especially when striving for more spin in your volleys as your game progresses. Balancing strength and precision is key to successful net play.
Utilize Non-Dominant Hand Support
Regardless of whether you employ a one-handed or two-handed backhand, supporting the racquet head with your non-dominant hand at the throat is crucial. This relieves pressure from the dominant hand before executing a shot and facilitates a proper backswing.
Maintain Your Focus
During your net game, complete focus on the ball is essential for shot preparation. Position your body horizontally to the ball’s path and anticipate its trajectory. Flex your legs in preparation, as most times, the ball won’t be served precisely to your position, which necessitates lateral movement.
Push off your right foot for backhand volleys and your left foot for forehand volleys, adjusting for left-handed play.
Shift Your Body Weight Forward
A proactive offensive approach characterizes the net game. For confident shots, shift your body weight forward and inject the right amount of power into each stroke. As you approach the net following a strong serve, your forward posture can also intimidate your opponent. Employ quick, small steps to maintain readiness for returns.
Formulate a Strategic Approach
Before employing your net game, assess your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to devise a strategic plan. Your net attack should be precise, well-practiced, and geared towards exploiting your opponent’s vulnerabilities. While not every situation will end in your favor, consistent pressure on your opponent can tilt the odds in your favor with the right mindset.
Practice Against a Wall
There’s an adage by Mitch Hedberg that humorously claims no one can beat a wall at tennis, and you’ll come to appreciate this as you refine your volleys. Practicing against a wall allows you to explore various angles and hone your volley skills effectively.
Conclusion
If you want to enhance your attacking strategy in tennis, dedicating time to improve your volleys for an effective net game is essential. Focusing intently on the ball, adopting the correct grip, and refining your footwork are fundamental aspects. With consistent training, your net game can experience significant improvement and boost your overall confidence and performance on the court.
