High Backhand Volley
Also known as: high backhand volley, backhand volley above the shoulder, high volley on the backhand, high backhand at the net, backhand high volley
On a high backhand volley, turn your shoulders early, lead with the elbow and meet the ball in front with a continental grip. Punch slightly down through the ball and stop the racquet soon after contact. Let your free arm move back for balance as the racquet moves forward.
The high backhand volley is one of the hardest shots for club players. The ball is above the shoulder on the non-dominant side, where the arm has the least leverage. Opponents test it with lobs that are too low to smash and with high floaters to the backhand. Good technique turns it into a solid placement shot instead of a weakness.
Use the continental grip. Turn the shoulders as soon as you read the ball, until your back is partly toward the net. Lift the racquet with the elbow bent and pointing toward the ball, and keep the racquet head above the wrist. Contact is in front of the front shoulder. Punch forward and slightly down with a firm wrist, then stop the racquet. Your other arm moves back as the hitting arm moves forward. This keeps the shoulders sideways and steadies the face. If there is time, step forward with the foot on your racquet side.
Do not try to hit it hard. Placement wins the point. Angle it short crosscourt or punch it deep down the line. If the ball is high enough and you have time, an overhead is the stronger shot. That may mean moving to hit a forehand overhead. Closing tighter to the net also helps. The opponent then needs a higher lob to get over you.
Tips by skill level
Shadow the stroke first. Turn sideways, raise the racquet with the elbow bent, punch toward a target and stop. Then have a partner toss soft balls above your shoulder.
Use the angle. A high backhand volley is easier to place short crosscourt than to drive through. Disguise it with the same set-up as the deep line ball.
Example
In a doubles point, a low lob floats over her backhand shoulder. She turns sideways, leads with the elbow and punches the ball short crosscourt, away from both opponents. Her free arm swings back for balance as she hits.
Why it matters
Opponents aim high to the backhand at the net because it is a common weakness. A compact, reliable high backhand volley takes that target away.
Common mistakes
- Facing the net instead of turning the shoulders
- Letting the ball get beside or behind the body
- Swinging hard instead of punching and stopping the racquet
- Dropping the racquet head below the wrist on a high ball
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a high backhand volley?
Turn your shoulders early, raise the racquet with the elbow leading and meet the ball in front with a continental grip. Punch slightly down and stop. Your free arm goes back for balance. Aim for placement, not power.
Why is the high backhand volley so hard?
The ball is above the shoulder on your weaker side, where the arm has little leverage. A good shoulder turn, an early elbow-led preparation and contact in front make it much easier.
Should I hit an overhead or a high backhand volley?
If the ball is well above your head and you have time, an overhead has more power. That often means moving to hit it as a forehand overhead. For balls around shoulder height, the high backhand volley is the safer choice.
Related terms
- Volley TechniqueVolley technique is the mechanics of striking the ball before it bounces. It uses a short, firm punch action rather than a full groundstroke swing.
- Overhead / SmashThe overhead (or smash) is a serve-like stroke struck above the head to put away a lob, demanding quick shoulder turn, a trophy-position racquet path, and aggressive pronation through contact.
- Lob DefenseLob defense is using a high, deep shot over an approaching or net-positioned opponent. It buys time, resets the point, or forces a difficult overhead.
- Continental GripThe continental grip positions the base knuckle of the index finger on bevel 2 of the handle, the universal grip for volleys, serves, overheads, slices, and drop shots.
- High BackhandFor a high backhand, step in and take the ball before it climbs above your shoulder, or move back and let it drop. If you must hit it high, turn early, set the racquet level with the ball and swing more level through contact. A high, deep slice is often the safest reply for one-handers.
- Poaching (Doubles)Poaching is when the net player in doubles crosses over to intercept a ball meant for their partner. It cuts off the angle and finishes the point at net.
Related guides & benchmarks
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