How to Play Tennis Video TIP:  One Handed Backhand Volley

Vince Spadea One Handed Backhand Volley

When you watch this video notice from the back side how consistent the racquet face lies open at a 45 degree angle. Vince’s forearm is wirey and strong with a firm continental grip. You need strong shoulder muscles, especially the deltoid muscle to execute this shot. It takes a lot of repetitions such as this video demonstration to hit it well. Shoulder work in the weight room and grip strengthening will also help.

I like the way Vince is deliberate and practices with a sense of urgency. This is part of his warm up routine before a match. He keeps his feet moving and is very balanced. He scoots back quickly so he can adjust to practicing first volleys. Practicing volleys on the top of the net gives one a false sense of security. So start near the service line and work you way in with each sequence. When there is a miss or pause in the action scoot back quickly to re-start the sequence as Vince does and you can maximize your high energy warm up time.

For optimum instruction utilize the Tennis TIP media player slide bar and Pause/ Play Button for interactive slow motion analysis.

Brian Lutz
Footage: Delray Beach, Fla
Feb 2005

"I just hung in there. It was far from my best tennis but you just learn from your mistakes." Maria Sharapova / French Open '08