Low volleys are not a favorite for anyone that I
know. There are many factors to consider when hitting
volleys off of balls that have dropped below the level of
the net. You have to consider the trajectory and speed of
the incoming ball as well as your racquet position and
angle. You also have to consider your own position in the
court and where you want your target area. But there is
one tendency many players have that could be corrected.
Many players stoop over the ball by bending at
their waist rather than their knees. Bending at the waist
not only throws the body out of balance but changes the
way we see the ball. For instance, think of how you see
the ball when hitting your best volleys. I bet the ball
is out in front and probably not to far from eye level.
When the ball is low you should try to get down with the
ball by bending your knees so that your are as close to
that "ideal" position as possible. By bending your knees
you will drop your body into a better position from which
to volley. By bending at the waist and stooping over the
ball, you probably are seeing the top of the ball and the
court below in your view while a knee bend helps keep your
vision more directly at the ball and toward your target
area.
Low volleys can be difficult but using good
footwork and a good knee bend can put you in a much better
position. Try to focus on a few knee bending low volleys
in practice and I'll bet you'll see better contact and
placement with your volley.
