[tennisbiz] Swinging Volley

I believe I can comment on this stroke because I teach the game to
tournament playing juniors. First of all, one should learn correct
volley technique before even considering smoking the ball out of the
air. Then if the player wants to take a floater out of the air and swing
at it then why not. The kids do it from time to time because they see
the Pros doing it and its fun. Why not.

I actually teach the swinging volley in my tennis academy here in Vienna
Austria because I want to see from time to time how good the kids are at
timing their forehand & backhand groundies. For to hit a swinging volley
(forehand & backhand) requires perfect timing and fast racket head
rolling. If they are successful at timing such a shot then from the
baseline after a ball bounces they should feel even more confident. Who
first showed the world the swinging forehand volley? Agassi. Who has one
of the most well respected (feared) forehands in professional tennis?
Agassi. There is a parallel.

Also from what I have seen from my Juniors is that the ones who actually
take a little risk and attempt this shot in a match are actually the
ones who have the highest rankings. This is a bold shot. It is a high
risk, high return gamble. When it works then is the player even more
pumped up. My kids play other kids who are also well developed players.
>From time to time such a bold statement in a match is like hitting an
ace. It bolsters the self-esteem in a nerve wrecking match. It gives
them a little bit of an edge over the opponent.

There is no need for the classically minded tennis community to confuse
this "modern" stroke with something in which will destroy our beloved
game. The swinging volley is here to stay and should be promoted as a
stroke which shold be used from time to time and as I mentioned as a
teaching aid.

I will respectfully read any comments to my experienced opinion.

Randal May
USPTA
randal.may_at_chello.at
 
Received on Wed Feb 27 2002 - 15:45:43 CST