Coaching

Why Serve and Volley is Your Secret Weapon

Modern tennis often revolves around baseline battles, but what happens when neither player can break through? That’s when the serve and volley becomes a game-changer. This classic tactic isn’t just for the history books—it’s a powerful solution to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, shorten points, and take control of the match.

 

The Power of the Serve and Volley

While baseline play is dominant, statistics consistently show the advantages of moving forward:

  • Net Points Won: Players can win as much as 85% of their serve and volley points compared to under 50% from the baseline.
  • Shorter Points: This strategy forces quick decisions from your opponent, preventing them from settling into long rallies.

Even in matches between strong baseliners, the serve and volley can turn a tight contest into a decisive victory.

 

Why It Works

  1. Surprise Factor: Opponents accustomed to extended baseline rallies often struggle to adjust to aggressive net play.
  2. Exploiting Deep Returns: Players standing far behind the baseline to return serve leave ample space for effective volleys.
  3. Momentum Shifts: The serve and volley breaks the flow of a match, forcing your opponent to adapt on the fly.

 

Mastering the Serve and Volley

1. Focus on Your Serve:

  • A well-placed serve, especially wide or into the body, sets up an easier first volley.
  • Vary speeds and placements to keep opponents guessing

2. Move with Purpose:

  • Charge the net immediately after the serve, staying balanced and ready for adjustments.
  • Use a split step to react to the return effectively.

3. Volley with Precision:

  • Aim deep and to the corners, or use drop volleys to exploit your opponent’s positioning.
  • Prioritise placement over power to stay in control of the point.

 

Statistics Highlight Its Effectiveness

In one high-stakes five-set match:

  • Serve and Volley Points: Combined win rate of 61% over 49 points.
  • Baseline Points: Both players struggled to win more than 50% from the back of the court.

The numbers tell the story—when the baseline fails, the net becomes your greatest ally.

 

Drill to Try

Practice serving wide and rushing the net with a partner returning deep shots. Work on volleying to specific targets, gradually increasing the pace and intensity to simulate match conditions.

 

Final words

Have you used the serve and volley in your matches? How has it changed the dynamic of your game? Share your experience and help others embrace this bold, winning tactic.

Your game, your story—keep playing.