 |
Tennis Anyone
December 2003
Article
Contact John Mills
Latest Tennis Anyone Article
Tennis Anyone Archives:
2001 - 2008
1994 - 2000
Tennis Server
HOME PAGE
Do You Want To Be A Better Tennis Player? Then Sign Up For A Free Subscription to the Tennis Server INTERACTIVE
E-mail Newsletter!
You will join 25,000 other subscribers in receiving news of updates to the Tennis Server along with monthly tennis tips from tennis pro Tom Veneziano that won't be found on the web site.
Best of all, it is free!
Do You Want to Follow The Pro Game Too?
Then use this link to join the
Tennis Server Photo Feed
for photography and match reports from around the world.
|
Player Profiles:
Top 12 Pros (Women)
 |
TENNIS FEATURES: |
 |
TENNIS COMMUNITY: |
 |
EXPLORE THE TENNIS NET: |
|
| |
|
Two-Handed Backhand Volley vs One-Handed Backhand Volley
John Mills, USPTA |
In my opinion, there is no doubt that the one-handed backhand volley is far better than the two-handed backhand volley. After teaching for almost thirty years and watching thousands of matches, I have come to this conclusion.
Here are some of my reasons:
- You increase your student's range (what he or she can reach). They can not only reach farther, but higher also.
- In close, fast exchanges (like doubles) it is by far better. Reflex volleys are easier to recover from with a one-handed backhand volley.
- It is much easier to hit balls that come directly at your body, especially at your face and chest.
- It is much easier to pick-up a backhand half volley with one hand rather than a two-handed backhand volley.
- As a student gets older, it is easier to "dig-out" a low volley. You do not need to bend your knees so low.
- You do not have to be in a perfect position to hit a one-handed backhand volley vs. a two-handed backhand volley. You will be more flexible with your footwork.
- What you might lose in power, you will gain in quickness, reach, dexterity and control.
- If the two-handed backhand volley were that efficient, I believe you would see the top professionals use it. As you can see, it is in the minority. In the same way, in the past you used to see a majority of players use one-handed backhand ground strokes. Now, you can see that a high percentage of professionals use the two-handed backhand ground strokes. It has become more efficient. A two-handed backhand ground stroke and a one-handed backhand volley make a lethal combination.
- Last, but not least, I believe the one-handed backhand volley is one of the most beautiful shots in the game.
Good luck on the courts!
Tennis Anyone Archives:
1994 - 2000 | 2001 - 2008
If you have not already signed up to receive our free e-mail
newsletter Tennis Server INTERACTIVE, you can sign up here.
You will receive notification each month of changes at the Tennis
Server and news of new columns posted on our site.
|
This column is copyrighted by John Mills, all rights reserved.
John Mills currently teaches tennis at the University of Houston, Clear Lake campus. John Mills' experience includes four years as head pro at the Windemere Racquet & Swim Club, where he was responsible for organization of all tennis activities at the club. John also played college tennis at the University of Houston and has spent 20 years teaching tennis at the Memorial Park Tennis Center, the Pasadena Racquet Club, and as the head pro at the Bay Area Racquet Club.
|
|
|
|
