Volley doctor back with backhand remedies

For backhand volleys, remember to use the Continental grip.

Remember a lack of a shoulder turn can cause many issues. The shoulder turn for the backhand volley is important albeit much more natural in the backhand volley.

If you have either a one- or two-hand backhand volley the hitting hand and arm must cross your body to prepare correctly for the shot, which naturally turns the shoulders to the correct 45-degree angle.

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Hit volleys using the Continental grip.

If your forehand volley is constantly going in the net you must turn your shoulders more.

The forehand volley is hit in front with the opposite leg crossing toward the ball and forward. This will cause a natural shoulder turn when making contact with the ball.

Grab your racquet and stand as if you are at the net in volley-ready position. Without moving your feet, prepare the upper body as if you're about to hit the backhand volley. Notice how the shoulders turn all by themselves.

If you are hitting the volley long there is probably too large a backswing.

Unless the oncoming shot is a high floater the tip of the head of the racquet should not go past your ear. A large backswing will cause a late hit and send the shot long.

Make sure there is a crossover step forward and toward the ball. This will help you attack the shot and keep the racquet out in front. You must hit the ball in front, not have the ball hit your racquet when back on your heels; and the shot will go long.

One-handed backhand volley players have a common problem that two-handers do not; a breakdown of form from improper use of the off hand. The offhand cradles the throat of the racquet to insure the proper technique of keeping the head of the racquet either above the handle or parallel to the handle. The hand stays on the throat until your forward step and then releases.

If you let go too soon, or don't use it at all, the proper height and angle will not be there causing late contact, a weak volley or both.

Two-hand volley players should emulate the form of their forehand volley. The top hand on the grip should reach forward to the shot. Have someone toss you some balls at the net without your racquet, step and reach to catch the ball with your opposite hand. You will see that you do not pull your hand back behind your shoulder to catch, you simply reach - do the same with the volley.

If the volley is going into the net too often remember the butt of the racquet leads the hit. If the head is leading your stroke the face is turned down. Try hitting the stroke with the butt slightly in front with the head catching up at impact - now the face is correct.

Two other key areas for forehand and backhand volley are to keep a firm wrist and hit shots with a slight high-to-low motion. This will impart backspin and keep the bounce low to the opponent creating an easier next shot for you.

Bill Longua has been the tennis director/head pro at Palm Island Resort, Cape Haze, since 2007 and is a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association with more than 35 years teaching experience. For more tennis tips and his book "Winning Tennis Strokes" go to onlinetennistraining.com or e-mail questions to bill@onlinetennistraining.com.