Tennis Reflex Volley. 3 IMPORTANT Keys. What's The Right Shot? # 535

[@skippurinton-fy5hq]

Amazing how well Paul times his split steps...And very quick for a big, older gentleman !

[@webtennis]

Paul's the real deal. He brings a level of confidence you can sense when you're out there on the court with him. Not in your face cocky ... but he's got a level of certainty about his ability that he trusts. You can develop that certainty even if you're not #1 in the world in doubles.

[@markjordan1032]

Brent - good hands - twice !! - way to frustrate the opponents. One thing you did not mention and I think it is very important - you prepped for the OH with a backhand/blocker volley - ready if the ball comes straight at you. you still had time to get the forehand-side shot. I know lots of players who ready with a forehand and can't defend the body shot. Avoiding getting hit is goal #1, getting the ball back is goal #2. Getting hit in the face - even if not on purpose - is dangerous and you cannot cover. your face quickly with a forehand. The backhand volley is the shield in this case.

[@jkn1951]

I like your advice and for the recreational player who CAN NOT pick the ball up soon enough to make a play it’s better to turn your body away avoid getting hit in the head. Having said that, I do appreciate Brent’s advice which is most appropriate for experienced players like himself.

[@markjordan1032]

@@jkn1951 THanks for the response but to be clear, I did not advocate turning away from the ball to avoid being hit. My suggestion is to be backhand-ready as it is the quickest way to defend the body shot. This is true at all levels and if you watch the pros closely you'll see they instinctively do it as well. I agree with all of Brent's suggestions as well and think they apply to all levels as well.

[@webtennis]

The racket prep with the racket not facing directly forward is still a neutral position for your hand. No question that it's much easier to handle a body shot with a backhand volley. But don't confuse the racket prep pointing slightly to the left as strictly only for a backhand.

[@webtennis]

You'd be pleasantly surprised to discover just how quickly you can react with soft hands on the handle and seeing the ball and not the player about to play their overhead or volley at you.

[@webtennis]

See my prior response Mark.

[@jameskrueger1333]

Hi Brent. When I see a short lob put up by my partner I back up and then set my feet to move in all directions immediately. You only backed up 12-14 inches. Why? Not enough time? As 123Rockchild pointed out below, you were fortunate you received a “slow ball” overhead from the opposing team twice.

[@webtennis]

Right. I only backed up a bit because I'm confident I can reflex back their shot most of the time. So if it was a faster overhead, you're saying a player couldn't reflex it back?

[@123Rockchild]

It seems like you all play good points, but no one really hits the ball really hard. Is that because you all want to keep your match more on the social side or is it more because of your age? (No offense is meant. Just really curious.)

[@webtennis]

This was an international team event and NOT a social match. Video tends to make things look slower. Hitting 'hard' isn't always a recipe for winning. Especially in doubles, making your opponents have to hit up AND taking their time away is a great way to win.