It's crazy how you managed to find two videos with the same - incredibly the 'SAME' - game situation, the one with the opposite result to the other. Great explanation!
Thanks so much. It was by accident actually. Here’s what happened. I’m sitting in my kitchen reviewing videos looking for “material” for my daily videos. I was sitting with my wife (who’s never played tennis in her life) and I saw this point and immediately sat up straight in my seat and loudly said “hey, his foot hit first!!!” Kind of startled my wife I was so abrupt with my noise level and reaction. I then noticed it was the same situation as the Stanford point (which I’ve used about 3 times in the last year for various strategic reasons). When I put the two together I was amazed at the technical and timing similarities. I was really excited. Haha. Thanks so much, Francis!
This is an excellent observation, like a good volleyer, college player added a split step to be able to be close enough to the ball to shift weight properly.
Super lesson. I keep watching this and it brings past lessons full circle. The same side foot plant (hear the stamp) allows for the "trailing foot' to move forward after the strike to provide power. Ingenious.
A technique tip I learned is to try and plant your left foot (backhand volley) directly behind the ball as it approaches. I believe this may result in the correct footwork.
Just a beginner here but if I may, I find it easier to think of back foot vs front foot rather than left /right. We always push off from back foot when throwing a ball. Thank you for your very clear and instructive vids which I watch almost exclusively of all others.
So just like open stands FH and BH groundies.. the last step is on the foot on the side you hit the ball. Makes both groundstrokes and volley consistent and maybe volleys easier to master. This certainly helps using your body weight to volley and not just your arm. Never heard it taught this way but what you say make a lot of sense. The fact that you found 2 points identical to teach this is just amazing work on your part. Thanks for the video and analysis.
Agree. Amazing the a popular French academy coach posted a video and teaches the front foot landing before contact. On an extreme low lung volley is can accept it.
I just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ cuz u just improved my volley by just this logic of which foot should step last before contact. I had been doing exactly like what sousa does. After i watched ur volley vids, i played a match this morning and followed exactly what u said and i hit so many volleys which i cant ! Again thank u so so much !
Great content!! Footwork is so easy to overlook (and get wrong) during a split second at the net. Personally, all I can concentrate on is the idea of gliding
The last step you take prior to hitting should be on the side where you make contact. It’s the best (and only) way to properly move through a volley. Thanks!!
good bit of synchronicity coming your way there with the 2 videos allowing you to make such a great point. Very useful thank you. You're clearly in your flow! :)
Sometimes. The backhand slice is different. It can be hit with the stance your just mentioned or the Carioca step (stepping behind) I’ll make that video in a few months when I can get on court. It’s cold and snowing now so no videos on court at the moment. Thanks!!
Moving the ball down, with help of bodymovement, is the most secure way of hitting volleys in. Especially necessary when you must reflex volley while also hitting hard (restrict backswing always). Ball machine really helps you grind this down technique in: you can hardly miss after that!
Another excellent coaching video - thanks Ryan. Also on the topic of how similar each player is, have you noticed that they both are playing with what looks like the same Wilson rackets??!
Superb analysis and explanation Ryan ….. as always. I know this will take a lot more practice to embed it. Knowing is one thing ……. Anyway thanks I think this is great work
What about when you are playing doubles and are at then net, and the ball comes a various speeds, after your split step there may not be time to step right or left? Hope it's not a dumb question.
@@2MinuteTennis Thank you! BTW where are you located? Any chance you are in Northern California? Was wondering if you offer like a say a one day crash course for people who are willing to travel for say a 1 day or 2 day crash course lesson of all shots?
Awesome job. Thank you ryan! I completely agree with that tip, however, I believe the main reason that Sousa lost the volley, was the angle of his racquet.
I completely agree with you Kostas. His footwork is what caused his racket to be incorrect. His upper body couldn’t do what it needed to do bc his footwork what incorrect. Footwork is important for a reason. 😊👍
It’s the same distance. The college player used the appropriate footwork that got him over to the ball easier. He basically took 2 1/2 steps when the pro took 1. That’s why it looks like he’s stretching farther. It’s the same distance.
hi, thanks for the content! may I ask is this only during a volley under a dynamic situation when moving. or even when one is properly set up.. you should also hit the volley then land the foot? my coach telling me to hit and land at the same time... so want to make sure.. :)
If you’re standing still volleying (like in a warm up or simply stationary) it’s ok to land first with foot then hit. But if you’re moving your have to do it this way.
Pure genius. but natural inclination is to planting with right foot, i do the same. but you are right, i think Genender footwork work better. volley is my strength but i should work on this footwork more. Does same thing apply in forehand volleys ?? We tend to do what the pro does here because we are taught when learing tennis,,, move forward and make big step sound, stepping in as you volley.. so is that wrong ?
Good job on this one. Mouratoglou has a video saying the opposite. Funny thing is if you watch video of Serena volleying (with Mouratoglou watching) she does it the way you are saying and the way all the teaching pros I know teach it.
What a great video! I fear that there is little chance that I will be able to put this into practice....haha...but great analysis. And who is that college kid? Should we look for him on the tour soon, volleying as well as he does ;-)
Love your videos and agree with your instruction and the importance of footwork. Wish to point out that the Pro appears to travel farther to make contact after split stepping whereas the college player, volleys nearly within is body, though with better foodwork. Any importance in this difference?
If you notice the pro still has his left foot on the service line. The college player moved his left foot. That’s why the pro looks like he’s reaching farther…bc he is. 😊 the pro ball and the college player ball is the same distance from them but the college player moves better so he got over to the ball more efficiently. Thanks!!!
Regardless of hitting a forehand or backend volley, if you're a right-handed player, you'll always use your right hand to volley. So following the principle of "right arm and left leg should be moving at the same time", shouldn't the last step prior to hitting the volley always be your right foot? I feel like you didn't explain why hitting on different sides (i.e. forehand v.s. backend) would cause the footwork to be different according to your theory...
Hey great video, in a future video, maybe the Friday video can you explain the volley technique of the college player on the right. It looks like he almost takes a slice swing path at his volley. I see this a lot too. It looks like the pros will hit a full backhand slice on their volley. Is that just what I’m seeing? Or do pros actually try and slice hit similar to their slice
Ryan great analysis on the footwork. Wouldn't you also agree that in both examples the players are dropping the racket through the stroke, rather than pushing out and keeping the racket still and level? I was taught that dropping the racket in a volley "stroke" resulted in the ball popping up. Sousa certainly floats the ball long, rather than having a crisp punch to the volley. It looks like he has the wrong grip also, strings look pointed "up"...
You’d re correct. I have numerous videos on backhand volley technique. This volley was solely about footwork. But you are correct. They really chop the ball. Thanks Drew!
Oh man! This is still such a controversial topic. I have had several tennis instructors that insist the volley must be hit with the forward leg being OPPOSITE the side of the volley. Personally, im inclined to agree with you. I think the college player not only finished the point off better but in the event that the opponent did return the volley he would have been prepared for the next ball much quicker.
Coaches are correct when they say “step with the opposite foot”. I say the same thing. You just need to contact before that foot hits the ground. Thanks!!!
I had to come and find this video as in my lesson last night, my coach kept insisting that I 'step across' with my front foot before striking the volley. I argued but he was adamant. Has this always been the technique or is this a more modern approach?
And here’s another video on the topic: Improve Your Volley With Perfect Footwork (Tennis Volley Footwork Explained) th-cam.com/video/Gp9t3q8SQHI/w-d-xo.html
The difference is that Sousa is much taller and could count on reaching well the ball without shuffle, and surprisingly for him was mistaken a little bit, so he had to step on right foot prior the contact. The amateur on the contrary is shorter and had to be more precise with footwork, he knew in advance that his reaching abilities are not so great and he must work with feet better to reach the volleys.
I just looked up their height and the players are exactly the same height.they are both 6’ 1”. Same height, same reach…Sousa just used the wrong footwork. Plain and simple.
Interesting lesson. I was always taught to hear the stamp of the opposite foot before contact on the volley. So then, how does this relate to groundstrokes where, for instance, on the forehand, the right foot follows after contact?
Good question. This all has to do with movement. If you’re moving fast you need to use the footwork I explained. If you’re more stationary then you can put the front foot down. Plus, ground strokes are rotational shots. Volleys aren’t. Especially on the backhand side where the arms will separate and go opposite directions.
It is apples to apples. The pro looks different bc he taking one giant step. The college essentially took 2 1/2 steps so he’s on balance and not reaching. The opponents hit the ball at the same time. We know that because the split steps weren’t the same time.
Not sure I buy it. The key point is the college shuffle to get closer to the ball, and to stay balanced. The pro is reacting to a higher and farther ball. I would stress the move to the ball, and keeping the weight behind the shot.
Ok thanks for the comment. Film yourself sometime volleying while going to get. Try it both ways. Landing with the front foot before and then after to test it. You’ll see that it’s 100% correct. Thanks for watching
Ryan’s point is that the college player moved to the ball better so he could be balanced through the shot. The pro player didn’t react to a wider ball - the shots were identical. The pro player stopped early and had to reach forward. That’s why it looks like he had a wider ball to hit. If the pro had taken one more step and stayed in front of the ball, he would have finished correctly and on balance. Instead, he stopped early and had to reach and was thus off balance.
I strongly disagree, as the circumstances are different. The ball is further away with the pro player (looking at 6:11). If the ball was at a similar distance with the college player, stepping with the left foot would not allow him to reach the ball at all. He would still need to lunge with his right leg, if the ball was further away. As I also play badminton (for almost 20 years), a side step with the left foot is only for when the ball barely out of reach on the left side. A lunge with the right foot or a dive is required for balls that are further away on the left.
The ball is not farther away. The pro has his left foot on the service T line still, the college player moved off his spot. Compare where their left feet are. The pro is reaching bc he used the wrong footwork.
This is definitely a unrefined technique in terms of volley from Sousa (it's supposed to be a more twisting the right foot over the body into the volley, and then stepping with the left foot AFTER he hits the volley, in order to take time away FROM YOUR OPPONENT, but he executed poorly with that mistake (by not hitting the ball FIRST, which was why he missed the volley, but Federer uses this advanced volley technique quite often, and actually can masterfully execute this advanced technique w/o fail about 69% of the time, in high-pressure situations). Just goes to show why the BIG FOUR separate themselves from everyone else: They can execute SIMPLE AND COMPLEX tennis techniques more successfully than anyone else in the tour.
Well, I don't think they are exactly the same. Grigor's court position is still in the court while the college student's opponent is outside the court. As a result Grigor hits a shot with more pace and height. Sousa's intent is to stick that down Grigor's throat because he knows that Grigor can reach the ball if he doesn't. So he moves quickly to the contact point and delivers a firm volley. The college kid's opponent is out of the court so he doesn't need to do much with the volley for a winner. And the ball is lower and weaker. Just the fact, that he could do so many shuffles is indicative of how slow the ball is. So it's really an easy put away no matter what his footwork is. Besides, it's easy to hit a high running volley long. If you are slightly too open in the racket face or your timing is just off, it will go long. Since Sousa is practicing and no money involved, I don't know if he's fully concentrating on this. I know that I have done this volley with many types of footwork and I haven't made a conclusion on what is better footwork technique or what volley technique is superior. All I know is that there are various schools of thought for the volley and every teacher as a particular preference. Unlike the forehand which has less philosophies, the volley seems to be something that has a lot of variance. (Also a lot depends on the racket you use.) And to develop a good volley is like taking a long sojourn. I like my volley technique and wouldn't trade it for anyone except Feds. Its born from a hodgepodge of different ideas but it works for me. These on court comparisons are really hard to do with so many variables that could be different. I think serve comparisons are much easier because only the player controls the ball toss and swing. Thanks for the video.
Very meticulous & comprehensive explanation Ryan.. Truly truly impressive.. I wish our kids get a chance to learn from you, if they ever be interested to play tennis.. Pardon my naivety, do you also train professional (ATP & WTA) tennis athletes?
This is subjective as there is not a hard and fast rule in a dynamic situation. The pro player simply missed his volley due to the trajectory of his ball and an open racquet
love your content, however these situations are not the same .....players are not approaching from the same angle towards the ball....the step out would not be the most efficient way for the pro to handle that shot
@@thereisnogod3924 the ball isn’t farther away. It only looks like it’s farther bc the pro is stretching. But the reason he’s stretching is for the exact reason I explained. The college player took 2 1/2 steps to get to the ball.
4:39 : “And look how they both step with their left foot”. Actually, all four players are at this moment stepping with their left foot. Just sayin. Coincidence? I think not.
I'm afraid I believe you are not entirely accurate here! For volleys, it's always preferable to use the opposite foot as it will decrease the reaction time and extends the reach, yet if the ball is too far away, the front foot lands before hitting the ball. And yes it looks awkward and rough, but that's how a good deal of shots are at pro levels. These two videos are not similar for the most part. In the first one, the ball is six feet further from the second video (their split steps are not at the same place). Plus the college players split step is obviously very amateure. If the opponent had hit down the line, it would've been a winner.
When moving forward (like these guys were) it’s best to not plant the front foot prior to hitting. You want to be “stepping” with the front foot (moving that leg), but you don’t want it planted prior to hitting. It will stop your momentum. The last foot that should hit the ground should be on the side where you’re hitting. Thanks!!!
Well, please check this video. It's Federer's volley practice. So at 2:49 second, we have a similar type of situation although not completely. I can't find a better video now, but as a former challenger player, I know for sure that landing on your same side foot before some volleys is inevitable if the ball is too fast and too far. It's very similar to close stance on forehand. Sometimes you land on your wrong foot just like Djokovic. He's a master of these awkward positions. Thanks th-cam.com/video/Hby8Z9qHHNc/w-d-xo.html
These shots appear to be the same but they are not. The Stanford player is hitting a volley at a much lower height than the other guy. I also noticed that if the high volley person had simply moved his racquet a little higher than the trajectory of the ball, he would have been able to keep the ball in the court. As you can see, he only missed by a small margin. You can have perfect footwork but if your racquet is not slightly higher than the ball and pulling the ball down, the ball can hit the net or float out. I respectfully disagree with this analysis.
one is low volley other one is high volley ,totally different ,the pro do a good balance split step ,he hit the ball out becos of the body weight wrongly shift n the hand skill no very good
no offense but you have some nerve comparing a college kid with a professional tennis player, that would be like comparing a F1 driver with a go kart driver. The professional used the correct footwork and as a mater of fact he covered a lot more court than the college player.
@@2MinuteTennis For me a serve volley player growing up I was taught this method cross legs step into the volley. As I found out in my collegiate play stepping and crossing and being in the air while one makes contact not only is the racket moving on a new plane so are the eyes. While one can volley this way it makes it exponentially more difficult. The method I use today was the one Mac used and the one Stafanki teaches. Feet stay parallel to the net as you move laterally such as a fencer does as they move back and forth never crosses their feet. Before the hit the feet stop the body balance the eyes are in one place, the hips and shoulders rotate so that they are now perpendicular to the net. The feet still balanced and parallel. With the elbow locked with the body on contact the body will rotate back parallel giving both the forehand and backhand volley the rotational torque it needs to be an effective weapon without a swinging arm. With this method occasionally one will be out of position and will need to cross to move forward however with time the body should move forward first then balance then move laterally to the ball. I hope this makes sense. This has made my volley a bigger weapon and much more consistent.
You are not correct. Neither volley is executed correctly, although the Stanford player is close. If you have time( you are not stretched out on a decent passing shot) You should in this volley plant the right foot at the exact time you make contact with ball. Your language is confusing with the "last foot to land" . If you plant with your crossover foot at exact time you volley , YOUR FRONT FOOT is the last foot to land. The Pros volley was terrible, but the Standard volley was a little late with his right foot. Further, many times the volleyer only has time for 1 step which should be a crossover step planted while hitting volley. Watch pro double players to learn how to volley. There was plenty of time for both these players to make this volley correctly
It's crazy how you managed to find two videos with the same - incredibly the 'SAME' - game situation, the one with the opposite result to the other. Great explanation!
Thanks so much. It was by accident actually. Here’s what happened. I’m sitting in my kitchen reviewing videos looking for “material” for my daily videos. I was sitting with my wife (who’s never played tennis in her life) and I saw this point and immediately sat up straight in my seat and loudly said “hey, his foot hit first!!!” Kind of startled my wife I was so abrupt with my noise level and reaction. I then noticed it was the same situation as the Stanford point (which I’ve used about 3 times in the last year for various strategic reasons). When I put the two together I was amazed at the technical and timing similarities. I was really excited. Haha. Thanks so much, Francis!
👍
Amazing analysis. This footwork is the most important correction most recreational players should make for their volleys.
I am learning. thank you Ryan
So glad the videos are helping you!
This is an excellent observation, like a good volleyer, college player added a split step to be able to be close enough to the ball to shift weight properly.
Super lesson. I keep watching this and it brings past lessons full circle. The same side foot plant (hear the stamp) allows for the "trailing foot' to move forward after the strike to provide power. Ingenious.
100% correct. Thanks L
A technique tip I learned is to try and plant your left foot (backhand volley) directly behind the ball as it approaches. I believe this may result in the correct footwork.
Just a beginner here but if I may, I find it easier to think of back foot vs front foot rather than left /right. We always push off from back foot when throwing a ball. Thank you for your very clear and instructive vids which I watch almost exclusively of all others.
Brilliant coaching! Reminds me of the return of serve movement where the other foot only comes forward after hitting the ball.
You’re 100% correct Wolfgang. Thank you!!
So just like open stands FH and BH groundies.. the last step is on the foot on the side you hit the ball. Makes both groundstrokes and volley consistent and maybe volleys easier to master. This certainly helps using your body weight to volley and not just your arm. Never heard it taught this way but what you say make a lot of sense. The fact that you found 2 points identical to teach this is just amazing work on your part. Thanks for the video and analysis.
Great examples and explanation!
Again, fantastic analysis and coaching.
Definitely, one of your best videos Ryan and yes, I have to admit to doing this sometimes. Time to fix it. Thank you.
Hey Harvey so glad you liked it!
Agree. Amazing the a popular French academy coach posted a video and teaches the front foot landing before contact. On an extreme low lung volley is can accept it.
I just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ cuz u just improved my volley by just this logic of which foot should step last before contact. I had been doing exactly like what sousa does. After i watched ur volley vids, i played a match this morning and followed exactly what u said and i hit so many volleys which i cant ! Again thank u so so much !
Wow. This is golden! Thanks!
You are the best.
Many coaches say do this.
Not many can explain it this well.
Wow, this analysis is at a different level! Thank you for making the video
astounding research and recognition to find two sequences that line up this well. im super impressed.
Excellent analysis, Thanks!
Hey thanks so much Dramit!
Amazing video and analysis!!
This is truly amazing, thanks a lot Ryan, I learned more from your video than other videos!!!!
Great video! Thank you.
Step into volley is the word advice for teaching a volley but people told all the time. Great video and explanation
Great analysis.
Thanks a lot! Excellent explanation!
WoW thank you for showing this, i really like your work
Thanks much for the tip. Watched this before my match today. Had this volley chance and stuck it to win a big game.
Awesome analysis coach R.
I'll try to get this.
Great content!!
Footwork is so easy to overlook (and get wrong) during a split second at the net.
Personally, all I can concentrate on is the idea of gliding
Very good, I always end up with my upper body too low - very helpful and makes logical sense
"Don't stop 'til you get enough" hehehe. Gliding is so much more flowing. Nice tip!
Now I’ll be singing that song all day. Thanks. Haha
this is very very good information!!! Now I know the proper footwork for volleys because I never learned how to properly hit volleys.
It’s totally new method to me and I’m going to try out!
The last step you take prior to hitting should be on the side where you make contact. It’s the best (and only) way to properly move through a volley. Thanks!!
good bit of synchronicity coming your way there with the 2 videos allowing you to make such a great point. Very useful thank you. You're clearly in your flow! :)
I appreciate you Spencer!
Hi Ryan great video! That mean When You run to thé bal to exécute à Black hand slice, should we put first the left foot as Well ?,
Thanks guillaume
Sometimes. The backhand slice is different. It can be hit with the stance your just mentioned or the Carioca step (stepping behind) I’ll make that video in a few months when I can get on court. It’s cold and snowing now so no videos on court at the moment. Thanks!!
Amazing analysis.
Amazing coincidence
I really like the details! Keep up these detailed videos! Great Job! Is this rule you mentioned the same for most volley's deep or short volleys?
Thank you. Ryan.
Is that applying for forehand and backhand swing?
Moving the ball down, with help of bodymovement, is the most secure way of hitting volleys in.
Especially necessary when you must reflex volley while also hitting hard (restrict backswing always).
Ball machine really helps you grind this down technique in: you can hardly miss after that!
Another excellent coaching video - thanks Ryan. Also on the topic of how similar each player is, have you noticed that they both are playing with what looks like the same Wilson rackets??!
Superb analysis and explanation Ryan ….. as always. I know this will take a lot more practice to embed it. Knowing is one thing ……. Anyway thanks I think this is great work
Ryan can I use the Top spin pro to practice and also I am 8.
Can you please do a video on how to scoot that outside foot after the split, and how to do that shuffle
What about when you are playing doubles and are at then net, and the ball comes a various speeds, after your split step there may not be time to step right or left? Hope it's not a dumb question.
not a dumb question. if there isn't enough time to step then you simply won't ... thanks!!
@@2MinuteTennis Thank you! BTW where are you located? Any chance you are in Northern California? Was wondering if you offer like a say a one day crash course for people who are willing to travel for say a 1 day or 2 day crash course lesson of all shots?
Love your vlogs.Thanks a lot. One of the best explanations. 🇷🇺✌️🙏👌
Awesome job. Thank you ryan!
I completely agree with that tip, however, I believe the main reason that Sousa lost the volley, was the angle of his racquet.
I completely agree with you Kostas. His footwork is what caused his racket to be incorrect. His upper body couldn’t do what it needed to do bc his footwork what incorrect. Footwork is important for a reason. 😊👍
Great comparison! Although, it does look like Sousa had to stretch more than the college player, forcing him to use the wrong foot to reach
It’s the same distance. The college player used the appropriate footwork that got him over to the ball easier. He basically took 2 1/2 steps when the pro took 1. That’s why it looks like he’s stretching farther. It’s the same distance.
Thanks
hi, thanks for the content! may I ask is this only during a volley under a dynamic situation when moving. or even when one is properly set up.. you should also hit the volley then land the foot? my coach telling me to hit and land at the same time... so want to make sure.. :)
If you’re standing still volleying (like in a warm up or simply stationary) it’s ok to land first with foot then hit. But if you’re moving your have to do it this way.
Hi, Great channel!!! Video suggestion : Serve recovery
Pure genius. but natural inclination is to planting with right foot, i do the same. but you are right, i think Genender footwork work better. volley is my strength but i should work on this footwork more. Does same thing apply in forehand volleys ?? We tend to do what the pro does here because we are taught when learing tennis,,, move forward and make big step sound, stepping in as you volley.. so is that wrong ?
Damn, the 4:35 comparison was just perfect!! Thank you!
Good job on this one. Mouratoglou has a video saying the opposite. Funny thing is if you watch video of Serena volleying (with Mouratoglou watching) she does it the way you are saying and the way all the teaching pros I know teach it.
Can you comment with the link of that video?
What a great video! I fear that there is little chance that I will be able to put this into practice....haha...but great analysis. And who is that college kid? Should we look for him on the tour soon, volleying as well as he does ;-)
Love your videos and agree with your instruction and the importance of footwork. Wish to point out that the Pro appears to travel farther to make contact after split stepping whereas the college player, volleys nearly within is body, though with better foodwork. Any importance in this difference?
If you notice the pro still has his left foot on the service line. The college player moved his left foot. That’s why the pro looks like he’s reaching farther…bc he is. 😊 the pro ball and the college player ball is the same distance from them but the college player moves better so he got over to the ball more efficiently. Thanks!!!
If TH-cam allows me to give more than one likes, I would have done that. This is so amazing video on volley. Thank You Ryan !!
Thanks so much Tarun!
Regardless of hitting a forehand or backend volley, if you're a right-handed player, you'll always use your right hand to volley. So following the principle of "right arm and left leg should be moving at the same time", shouldn't the last step prior to hitting the volley always be your right foot? I feel like you didn't explain why hitting on different sides (i.e. forehand v.s. backend) would cause the footwork to be different according to your theory...
Hey great video, in a future video, maybe the Friday video can you explain the volley technique of the college player on the right. It looks like he almost takes a slice swing path at his volley. I see this a lot too. It looks like the pros will hit a full backhand slice on their volley. Is that just what I’m seeing? Or do pros actually try and slice hit similar to their slice
Ryan great analysis on the footwork. Wouldn't you also agree that in both examples the players are dropping the racket through the stroke, rather than pushing out and keeping the racket still and level? I was taught that dropping the racket in a volley "stroke" resulted in the ball popping up. Sousa certainly floats the ball long, rather than having a crisp punch to the volley. It looks like he has the wrong grip also, strings look pointed "up"...
You always need to absorb the ball into the racket at least a little bit. That's totally correct.
You’d re correct. I have numerous videos on backhand volley technique. This volley was solely about footwork. But you are correct. They really chop the ball. Thanks Drew!
Oh man! This is still such a controversial topic. I have had several tennis instructors that insist the volley must be hit with the forward leg being OPPOSITE the side of the volley.
Personally, im inclined to agree with you. I think the college player not only finished the point off better but in the event that the opponent did return the volley he would have been prepared for the next ball much quicker.
Coaches are correct when they say “step with the opposite foot”. I say the same thing. You just need to contact before that foot hits the ground. Thanks!!!
I had to come and find this video as in my lesson last night, my coach kept insisting that I 'step across' with my front foot before striking the volley. I argued but he was adamant. Has this always been the technique or is this a more modern approach?
This is how its always been.
And here’s another video on the topic: Improve Your Volley With Perfect Footwork (Tennis Volley Footwork Explained)
th-cam.com/video/Gp9t3q8SQHI/w-d-xo.html
The difference is that Sousa is much taller and could count on reaching well the ball without shuffle, and surprisingly for him was mistaken a little bit, so he had to step on right foot prior the contact. The amateur on the contrary is shorter and had to be more precise with footwork, he knew in advance that his reaching abilities are not so great and he must work with feet better to reach the volleys.
Thanks so much for the comment!!
I just looked up their height and the players are exactly the same height.they are both 6’ 1”. Same height, same reach…Sousa just used the wrong footwork. Plain and simple.
Interesting lesson. I was always taught to hear the stamp of the opposite foot before contact on the volley. So then, how does this relate to groundstrokes where, for instance, on the forehand, the right foot follows after contact?
Good question. This all has to do with movement. If you’re moving fast you need to use the footwork I explained. If you’re more stationary then you can put the front foot down. Plus, ground strokes are rotational shots. Volleys aren’t. Especially on the backhand side where the arms will separate and go opposite directions.
I don't think we are comparing apple to apple here. The ball of the pro was hit with a faster pace and a sharper angle.
It is apples to apples. The pro looks different bc he taking one giant step. The college essentially took 2 1/2 steps so he’s on balance and not reaching. The opponents hit the ball at the same time. We know that because the split steps weren’t the same time.
Not sure I buy it. The key point is the college shuffle to get closer to the ball, and to stay balanced. The pro is reacting to a higher and farther ball. I would stress the move to the ball, and keeping the weight behind the shot.
Ok thanks for the comment. Film yourself sometime volleying while going to get. Try it both ways. Landing with the front foot before and then after to test it. You’ll see that it’s 100% correct. Thanks for watching
Ryan’s point is that the college player moved to the ball better so he could be balanced through the shot. The pro player didn’t react to a wider ball - the shots were identical. The pro player stopped early and had to reach forward. That’s why it looks like he had a wider ball to hit. If the pro had taken one more step and stayed in front of the ball, he would have finished correctly and on balance. Instead, he stopped early and had to reach and was thus off balance.
I strongly disagree, as the circumstances are different. The ball is further away with the pro player (looking at 6:11). If the ball was at a similar distance with the college player, stepping with the left foot would not allow him to reach the ball at all. He would still need to lunge with his right leg, if the ball was further away.
As I also play badminton (for almost 20 years), a side step with the left foot is only for when the ball barely out of reach on the left side. A lunge with the right foot or a dive is required for balls that are further away on the left.
The ball is not farther away. The pro has his left foot on the service T line still, the college player moved off his spot. Compare where their left feet are. The pro is reaching bc he used the wrong footwork.
I would like to buy a board like yours
This is definitely a unrefined technique in terms of volley from Sousa (it's supposed to be a more twisting the right foot over the body into the volley, and then stepping with the left foot AFTER he hits the volley, in order to take time away FROM YOUR OPPONENT, but he executed poorly with that mistake (by not hitting the ball FIRST, which was why he missed the volley, but Federer uses this advanced volley technique quite often, and actually can masterfully execute this advanced technique w/o fail about 69% of the time, in high-pressure situations). Just goes to show why the BIG FOUR separate themselves from everyone else: They can execute SIMPLE AND COMPLEX tennis techniques more successfully than anyone else in the tour.
Wow. Just wow :)
Thanks so much!!!
I was expecting Friday Q and A video 🙂
Well, I don't think they are exactly the same. Grigor's court position is still in the court while the college student's opponent is outside the court. As a result Grigor hits a shot with more pace and height. Sousa's intent is to stick that down Grigor's throat because he knows that Grigor can reach the ball if he doesn't. So he moves quickly to the contact point and delivers a firm volley. The college kid's opponent is out of the court so he doesn't need to do much with the volley for a winner. And the ball is lower and weaker. Just the fact, that he could do so many shuffles is indicative of how slow the ball is. So it's really an easy put away no matter what his footwork is. Besides, it's easy to hit a high running volley long. If you are slightly too open in the racket face or your timing is just off, it will go long. Since Sousa is practicing and no money involved, I don't know if he's fully concentrating on this. I know that I have done this volley with many types of footwork and I haven't made a conclusion on what is better footwork technique or what volley technique is superior. All I know is that there are various schools of thought for the volley and every teacher as a particular preference. Unlike the forehand which has less philosophies, the volley seems to be something that has a lot of variance. (Also a lot depends on the racket you use.) And to develop a good volley is like taking a long sojourn. I like my volley technique and wouldn't trade it for anyone except Feds. Its born from a hodgepodge of different ideas but it works for me. These on court comparisons are really hard to do with so many variables that could be different. I think serve comparisons are much easier because only the player controls the ball toss and swing. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much Wally. Always appreciate stour take on the videos.
Very meticulous & comprehensive explanation Ryan.. Truly truly impressive.. I wish our kids get a chance to learn from you, if they ever be interested to play tennis.. Pardon my naivety, do you also train professional (ATP & WTA) tennis athletes?
This is subjective as there is not a hard and fast rule in a dynamic situation. The pro player simply missed his volley due to the trajectory of his ball and an open racquet
Ok thanks so much for your comments.
love your content, however these situations are not the same .....players are not approaching from the same angle towards the ball....the step out would not be the most efficient way for the pro to handle that shot
Thanks for the comment DJ!
and the ball is also higher and at least 1m further away
@@thereisnogod3924 the ball isn’t farther away. It only looks like it’s farther bc the pro is stretching. But the reason he’s stretching is for the exact reason I explained. The college player took 2 1/2 steps to get to the ball.
4:39 : “And look how they both step with their left foot”. Actually, all four players are at this moment stepping with their left foot. Just sayin. Coincidence? I think not.
I'm afraid I believe you are not entirely accurate here! For volleys, it's always preferable to use the opposite foot as it will decrease the reaction time and extends the reach, yet if the ball is too far away, the front foot lands before hitting the ball. And yes it looks awkward and rough, but that's how a good deal of shots are at pro levels. These two videos are not similar for the most part. In the first one, the ball is six feet further from the second video (their split steps are not at the same place). Plus the college players split step is obviously very amateure. If the opponent had hit down the line, it would've been a winner.
When moving forward (like these guys were) it’s best to not plant the front foot prior to hitting. You want to be “stepping” with the front foot (moving that leg), but you don’t want it planted prior to hitting. It will stop your momentum. The last foot that should hit the ground should be on the side where you’re hitting. Thanks!!!
Well, please check this video. It's Federer's volley practice. So at 2:49 second, we have a similar type of situation although not completely. I can't find a better video now, but as a former challenger player, I know for sure that landing on your same side foot before some volleys is inevitable if the ball is too fast and too far. It's very similar to close stance on forehand. Sometimes you land on your wrong foot just like Djokovic. He's a master of these awkward positions. Thanks
th-cam.com/video/Hby8Z9qHHNc/w-d-xo.html
These shots appear to be the same but they are not. The Stanford player is hitting a volley at a much lower height than the other guy. I also noticed that if the high volley person had simply moved his racquet a little higher than the trajectory of the ball, he would have been able to keep the ball in the court. As you can see, he only missed by a small margin. You can have perfect footwork but if your racquet is not slightly higher than the ball and pulling the ball down, the ball can hit the net or float out. I respectfully disagree with this analysis.
But I see 2 different angles to hit... and a preceding mistake.
These 2 videos are scarily similar... lol
It’s crazy really.
one is low volley other one is high volley ,totally different ,the pro do a good balance split step ,he hit the ball out becos of the body weight wrongly shift n the hand skill no very good
Looks like Sousa rushed, so he got himself stretched out instead of taking the correct footwork.
no offense but you have some nerve comparing a college kid with a professional tennis player, that would be like comparing a F1 driver with a go kart driver.
The professional used the correct footwork and as a mater of fact he covered a lot more court than the college player.
Ok thanks so much Robert!!!
U make me laugh = a good player must hit the ball well with any situation including any footwork
Thanks for watching!!
Don’t agree with either.
Thanks for commenting Michael!
@@2MinuteTennis For me a serve volley player growing up I was taught this method cross legs step into the volley. As I found out in my collegiate play stepping and crossing and being in the air while one makes contact not only is the racket moving on a new plane so are the eyes. While one can volley this way it makes it exponentially more difficult. The method I use today was the one Mac used and the one Stafanki teaches. Feet stay parallel to the net as you move laterally such as a fencer does as they move back and forth never crosses their feet. Before the hit the feet stop the body balance the eyes are in one place, the hips and shoulders rotate so that they are now perpendicular to the net. The feet still balanced and parallel. With the elbow locked with the body on contact the body will rotate back parallel giving both the forehand and backhand volley the rotational torque it needs to be an effective weapon without a swinging arm. With this method occasionally one will be out of position and will need to cross to move forward however with time the body should move forward first then balance then move laterally to the ball. I hope this makes sense. This has made my volley a bigger weapon and much more consistent.
You are not correct. Neither volley is executed correctly, although the Stanford player is close. If you have time( you are not stretched out on a decent passing shot) You should in this volley plant the right foot at the exact time you make contact with ball. Your language is confusing with the "last foot to land" . If you plant with your crossover foot at exact time you volley , YOUR FRONT FOOT is the last foot to land. The Pros volley was terrible, but the Standard volley was a little late with his right foot. Further, many times the volleyer only has time for 1 step which should be a crossover step planted while hitting volley. Watch pro double players to learn how to volley. There was plenty of time for both these players to make this volley correctly