Tennis Serve and Volley combination

Although serve and volley combination is becoming very rare on the ATP and WTA tour, it is still extremely effective at the club level tennis. Most recreational players have a very poor return especially if you can mix some spins and directions when serving. Volleying after the serve takes some practice and here are some tips to help you become a more complete tennis player:

1. Do not over rush after you serve. A common mistake when you decide that you'll play serve and volley is that you try to get to the net while you are still serving. You need to finish the serve motion first and then move quickly into the court.

2. If your serve is reasonably fast you won't get far into the court. Don't just run to the net hoping that the return will go straight at you. You need to make a split step when the opponent returns and you'll still be behind the service line. That's ok.

3. Now that you've balanced your self and stopped your momentum you can change direction and move towards the first volley. Two important things here – control your balance (in practice of course!) and keep your eye on the ball. Follow the ball to your racquet.

4. Move forwards towards the ball and try to play it inside the service boxes. The goal of your first volley is almost NEVER to finish the point. It's too risky. Instead play the volley deep into the open court.

5. Move even closer to the net after the first volley and NOW you can look to finish the point. Look for angle not power. In order to produce power on any stroke you need time to build momentum. You don't have time on the volley so accept that play volleys with precision, angles and be a smart volley player.

Follow these serve and volley tips and you'll be a smart player who will rarely lose a serve. As with all things in tennis so is here – it will take you some time to master this effective combination but when you do, you'll have an excellent tactical advantage against your opponents.