Whilst in the modern game, the approach and volley has almost been long forgotten in singles, it still remains a crucial shot to get right for doubles, approach situations and simply to ensure your kids have a completely well rounded game. Today we wanted to look at the volley and asses the key criteria for how to hit a great one. For us there are three basic aspects they are important when teaching very young students.

1. Racquet strings facing forward. For a young student this is the first thing we want them to do. Getting them to make contact is going to create confidence and enjoyment which will encourage them to continue to practise the stroke.

2. Stepping in on the correct foot. Very important that they get this right early on to ensure that they are reinforcing good habits and not bad ones. Remind them to step in on the opposite foot for a forehand & block the ball.

3. No swing. With our young students we remind them that the volley is like a 'high five' not a 'big swing'. We get the students to repeat this back to our coaches over and over to ensure we are engraining this element to them. 

So these are our 3 key aspects of teaching young beginners the volley. Obviously as they progress and get older the instruction becomes a little more technical, but if you can ingrain the basics first, you will have a really solid foundation to work from.

Good luck and let us know how you go teaching your child the tennis volley.

Fit For Kids Co. 
Tennis, Sport & Fitness for kids in Melbourne.