Tactics to Play against Serve and Volley Players

While there are not as many serve and volley players as there once were, chances are you will run into several over your playing career.  In fact, it also appears that the serve and volley is beginning to make a comeback so you may start to see it a little more often.  One of the hardest styles to defend against, there are some ways you can come out on top.

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One of the main things to remember when playing against a serve and volley player is to have patience.  You don’t have to hit a perfect winner down the line each and every time although you may feel as though you do.  If you are patient, then an easier opportunity may show itself and you won’t be forced into a situation where you are likely to make a lot of errors.

When you are facing a serve and volley player with a big serve and you can’t return the ball cleanly, the best idea is to block the ball back.  Make sure you do so at the feet of your opponent or down the line for the best chance of winning the point.  You can also choose to take the ball early and allow your opponent less time to get in position at the net.

When you are on serve, try to keep a serve and volley player back as long as possible.  You can do this by hitting ground strokes deep into the court.  You can also mix things up by getting to the net first.  You control the action by having the first serve; therefore you can take the offensive position if you are comfortable.  You can also do this if your opponent is following their returns to the net.

Another defense against a serve and volley player is to lob.  Even if you are unsuccessful and one or two are returned, you will put it into your opponent’s head that you aren’t afraid to do so.  This will help keep you opponent one or two steps further back from the net and not in the ideal spot for a volley return.  As a result, you will open up more opportunities for yourself.

Examine your opponent closely to take advantage of their weaknesses.  Typically, they will be better on one side or the other.  Once you determine their weakest side, you can pick on that one and hopefully pick up a point or two.  In addition, notice if they are better at either hitting high or low volleys and aim for their weakness.

Another way to shut down a serve and volley opponent is to use top spin on your shots.  This will allow you to hit the ball harder without having to worry about hitting long.  There is also the advantage that cross court shots will have a tendency to drop in and shots directly at your opponent will dive toward their feet.  This can be an especially effective idea when you are playing a tall person who will find it more difficult to keep bending in order to pick up your shots.