LEARNING LAWN TENNIS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20731, 16 December 1932, Page 13

LEARNING LAWN TENNIS.

THE VOLLEY. * # _______ A SHOT TO END THE RALLY. (spxciaixt w*r—•» fob tub pbes».) [By Geoffekj Ollivteb.] f t Because the volley is, or should be, the finishing stroke of the rally, the player should try to develop both speed and accuracy in all shots played on the full. As in the ground strokes, it is desirable that the player endeavour always to keep the head of the racket above the level of the wrist. While standing stationary at the net, as, for instance, while the player's doubles partner is serving, the racket should be held in the backhand drive grip. The best grip for the Torehand volley is a grip midway between those for the forehand and the backhand, but it will be found that it is easier to adjust the grip from the backhand position for any shot that the player may be called upon to make. W. *M. Johnston, one of the best volleyers America has produced, recommends the player to hit his volleys. When he has a good, commanding position at the net the volley must be mado the finishing shot, permitting of no rep'y. Speed from the Ball, It is unnecessary to hit very hard when volleying a fast drive, as there is enough speed on the ballto provide the necessary pace for the volley. In the case, of, the volley off a slow .drive, the shot must gain its speed from the racket, but the striker must bo close to the net, so that he may hit it directly down into the opposite court. The most difficult volley is that off the slow, dropping ball, which has the tendency to fall near the feet. When caught in such a position the player should volley as deeply as possible, in order to gain time to recover his position. Cultivate spin or slice on the volleys, as it makes the ball keep low-"from the bounce. An exceedingly useful stroke is the lob-volley, which is made by turning the wrist back. With four players in a volleying dnel at.the net a quick lob-volley will alter the-whole course of the rally. The lob-volley must be a very* accurate shot to be of any use, and of course requires a good deal of practice. ■».-■■ - - f • The Half-Volley. Wherever possible the volley should be taken while the player is moving forward. The point of impact should be well in front, and as far away.from the body as pdssibJe. ..-.,-„=

The Australian form--of volleying is very good. In singles they- have the tendency to hang back a short-distance from the net after following in, so that as soon as they know the-direction of the return they close i» toward the net, thus taking' the volley while moving forward. Added pace is lent to the shot by this method of volleying. The half-volley is one of the prettiest shots on the court, and" if well executed it will save the player a great deal of trouble. When making the halfvolley keep as far away from -the ball as possible, bo as to be able to get the hand and wrist well down to the.ground, thus keeping the head of the -racket above the level of the wrist. The be=*t reply to a ball driven hard at a player's feet is the half-volley lob, played the same as the ordinary half-volley, but with the face of tho racket inclined .backwards. .