11 Ways to Improve Your Pickleball Volley
Most pickleball match points are won or lost at the net, and the team that does best at the non-volley zone line typically wins. So, what does this mean for your pickleball game? It means it’s imperative to learn different types of volleys to remain competitive.
This article discusses different types of pickleball volleys and 11 ways to improve your pickleball volley.
What is a Volley?
A volley is a shot that’s taken without allowing the ball to bounce first. This means you hit the ball out of the air before it strikes the court instead of a groundstroke, which is hit after the ball bounces. Most volleying in pickleball happens at the net or inside the kitchen area.
The volley shot should have a low to medium trajectory and be slower-paced. However, during a round of volleys, where both you and your opponent are hitting them back and forth, the pace of play can seem fast and chaotic. Of course, different types of volley shots can change the pace.
What Types of Volleys Exist?
Backhand volley: A type of volley hit with the backside of your paddle.
Dink volley: This is a dink shot hit into the opponent’s NVZ, and helps you keep your position at your own kitchen line.
Drop volley (block volley): The time to use this shot is when it’s necessary to change the pace of play and slow down the velocity of the ball. Drop shots are very effective against bangers.
Forehand volley: A type of volley hit with your forehand.
Punch volley: The most common volley type, where the paddle face is perpendicular to the court, and your elbow moves forward to smack the ball over the net.
Roll volley (topspin volley): This volley type is also known as a half-swinging volley, best performed with your opponents in their backcourt and when you make contact with the ball below the line of the net. The situation to use this volley is typically presented after the Third shot or drop shot and is a great way to force your opponent to the baseline.
To see some of these shots in action, check out the following video from PrimeTime Pickleball:
Top 3 Volley Tips in Pickleball
Tip #1 - Stay Low
The first and most important tip is to stay low. You should almost be in a squatting position with your knees bent and your weight on your toes. This low center of gravity will give you more power and control over your shots. It will also allow you to react quickly to any shots that come your way.
Another reason you want to stay low is to be able to get your paddle underneath the ball and then use your legs to power through your shot.
Tip #2 - Use Your Wrist
When volleying, you want to use a light continental grip on the paddle and let your wrist do the work. This will give you more control over the ball and help you place your shots accurately. It also helps you control the amount of power put into the ball.
Of course, when the time comes to strike with an overhead smash, this tip flies out the window.
Tip #3 - Keep Your Eyes on the Ball
It sounds simple, but it’s important to keep your eyes on the ball at all times when volleying. This will help you follow the ball but also help you to hit your shots with the sweet spot of the paddle more often and reduce errant shots.
Tip #4 - Use Your Legs
Since most of your hits will come from the ground up, you should use your legs to generate power instead of relying on your shoulders or arms. Often, you won’t have time to make a proper swing on the ball like you normally would in a drive shot, so using our calves and thighs can make a big difference in good volleying technique.
Tip #5 - Hit the Ball Early
Some players, especially beginners, get nervous at the kitchen line. One of the best ways to combat those nerves is just to get in there. Spend less time thinking and more time hitting the ball. This is a great way to apply pressure to your opponent or throw them off-guard.
Of course, there are times when you want to let the ball bounce, but true volleying is all about hitting it out of the air and out of reach of your opponent.
Tip #6 - Watch Your Footwork
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart when volleying to provide a strong base and help you stay balanced. It also helps you shuffle left and right or take a step back more fluidly. Of course, keep an eye on your opponent’s feet and adjust your position accordingly.
Tip #7 - Keep Your Paddle Slightly Open
When volleying, your head should be up, back straight, and your paddle in a slightly open position. This is often referred to as the “ready position” for pickleball players. You never know where the ball is going to come from, so the ready position is a great way to stay on your toes.
Ready position in pickleball
Tip #8 - Be Ready to Adjust
Volleys, even the longer ones, are short-lived. If your opponent makes a mistake or tries to lob a shot over your head, you need to be ready to pounce and make them pay for it. Remember, when volleying, the goal isn’t to keep volleying; it’s to score. Look for your opportunity and take it.
Tip #9 - Randomize Your Pace and Aim
Always hitting the ball from the air or always aiming your volley at the same spot makes life too easy on your opponent. Utilize all areas of your opponent’s kitchen and allow a few balls to bounce to force your opponent back on their heels.
Tip #10 - Practice, Practice, Practice
During the match is not the time to try new things or to try and get good at volleying. Sure, the experience will help you. Instead, it’s the time to use what you practiced.
If you have a partner, practice together against a wall or cut the court in half lengthwise and focus on quick returns and volleys together. If it’s just you out there, find a wall that the ball will bounce off of so you can get the flow of volleying down to a science.
Of course, if you can’t find a wall, you could always set up your own temporary pickleball court.
Tip #11 - Communicate With Your Partner
When playing doubles, communication is vital. We cringe every time we see one partner fly into the other player’s zone or leave a massive hole on their side because they’ve crept over too far. Communicate and trust that your partner can handle any ball that comes their way just like you can handle any that comes yours.
Bonus Tip - Add Spin
You thought you were only getting 11 tips, huh? Well, that’s our fault. But there is one more tip that we wanted to throw out there, and that is to add spin to your volleys. After you get comfortable practicing the volley, begin playing around with adding back or topspin to the ball.
Final Thoughts
Volleying at the kitchen line is one of the most fun parts of playing pickleball. Once you master different types of volleys, you will not only become a better-rounded player, but you’ll have more fun, too.
