Question:
Punch vs. Slice Volley: Which do you prefer and why? I've been teaching the players who also play on their high school team to volley (waist to head high) with a forward and downward stroke, making sure the racquet gets under the ball during follow through. I found out this contradicts what the coach at school is teaching - basically just hold the racquet up and move it forward like a punch. Which do you think is more effective for players in the 3.5 range?
- Frederick Shelton
·
Answer from David Lewis, Director of Instruction at Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy:
The punch volley is easier to hit than a slice volley. Below are three training options when deciding which one to teach:
1. Teach your players to punch then progress to the slice volley.
2. Spend time playing mini-tennis to develop soft hands and a good feel around the net before progressing to the volley.
3. Mix punch volley exercises and “mini-tennis” for students to get a sense of both shots. Older players have more wrist strength but working with them on touch and feel is crucial to the development of a good slice volley.
For a player in the 3.5 range, it’s okay to teach them to punch the volley in front with a firm wrist then progress to the slice volley. A proper slice volley requires the player to open the racquet face and slide the strings under the ball to generate backspin, which keeps the ball low once it bounces.
Ultimately, the coach needs to be creative and have a vision what will work best for the student.
About David Lewis
David Lewis, a native of Auckland, New Zealand, is the Director of Instruction at Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island, S.C., a full-time tennis program for grades 5-12. For the past 20 years, he has coached top juniors and professionals from around the world including Marina Erakovic, ranked as high as No.49 on the WTA world rankings.
The Ivan Lendl IJTA exemplifies Ivan Lendl and Lewis’ desire to give back to tennis and develop future champions through a new-era curriculum and holistic training approach. The Academy focuses on classic fundamentals, leading-edge biomechanics, strength training / fitness and mental preparation. Lendl and Lewis subscribe to a hands-on approach with students instilling dedication, focus, hard work, motivation and overall preparation.
For more information: www.LendlTennis.com, 888.983.6647 (888-9-TENNIS) or 843.686.1529.