Low Volley
Also known as: low volley technique, volley below the net, volleying a low ball, low volleys, low volley in tennis
To hit a low volley, bend your knees to get down to the ball instead of dropping the racquet head. Open the racquet face slightly, keep the wrist firm and punch forward and under the ball with a short stroke. Aim deep with some height over the net, then move in for the next ball.
A low volley is any volley you take below the height of the net. The ball has to travel up to clear the tape. You cannot hit down on it. That makes it a defensive shot. Its job is to get the ball back deep or low at the opponent's feet, not to win the point outright.
Keep a continental grip. Lower your body with the knees and a wide base, as if sitting down, and keep your back fairly upright. Many coaches teach you to keep the racquet head at or above the wrist where you can and to bring your body down to the ball. On very low balls the head will tip down. That is fine if the wrist stays firm. Tilt the face open a little and meet the ball in front of your body. Use a short forward punch that slides under the ball. The underspin keeps it under control. Let the legs lift you slightly through the shot instead of flicking the wrist.
Popping the ball up usually comes from too much face opening, a wrist flick or a big swing. Aim deep down the middle, or play a soft short angle when the opponent is far back. A low volley sent short and high to an opponent at the baseline is an easy pass for them. Footwork is often the best fix. Move in faster after your serve or approach. More of your volleys will then be above net height.
Tips by skill level
With a partner feeding gently from the service line, crouch low and catch the ball on the strings with a slightly open face. Then add a short punch and aim past the service line.
Move through the low volley. A small step forward on contact adds depth without a swing. It also carries you closer to the net for the next ball.
Example
Serving and volleying, he is caught near the service line as a dipping return arrives at shin height. He drops his knees, opens the face slightly and punches the ball deep down the middle. Then he closes to the net and wins the point with a high volley.
Why it matters
Opponents aim low at a net player's feet on purpose. A reliable low volley keeps you in the point and buys time to move closer.
Common mistakes
- Bending at the waist and dropping the racquet head instead of bending the knees
- Opening the face too far or flicking the wrist and popping the ball up
- Swinging at the ball instead of using a short punch
- Trying to hit a winner from below the net instead of playing deep or low
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a low volley without popping it up?
Bend your knees to get low, keep the wrist firm and open the face only a little. Use a short punch under the ball, not a swing or a wrist flick, and aim deep with modest height.
Should I bend my knees on a low volley?
Yes. Lowering your body with the knees keeps the racquet face steady. Bending only at the waist drops the racquet head and makes the ball pop up.
Where should I aim a low volley?
Usually deep down the middle, or a soft short angle when the opponent is far back. You are hitting up, so a low volley is rarely a winner. Its job is to keep you in the point.
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.
- Half-VolleyA half-volley is hit just after the bounce, at ankle or shoe height. This reactive "scoop" needs exceptional timing and a low body position.
- Semi-Continental Grip (Volley)The semi-continental grip sits between a continental and an eastern forehand. At net, some players use it to balance both volleys without moving the hand.
- Serve and VolleyServe and volley is a tactical pattern in which the server rushes to the net immediately after delivering the serve, intending to end the point with a first or second volley.
- Approach to NetApproaching the net means moving forward from the baseline after an approach shot or serve. The aim is to put away the point with a volley or overhead.
- Drop VolleyA drop volley absorbs the pace of an incoming ball at the net, redirecting it with backspin so it barely clears the net and dies close to it — an extreme touch shot that exploits an opponent deep in the court.
Related guides & benchmarks
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