Over the last few years, there has been a large transition whereby players are moving from racket sports, such as tennis, to pickleball. As such, one question that keeps popping up is “what is a volley?”
Well, a volley is a shot that is a crazy, interesting, difficult, and even game-changing, tactic in the game. When it comes down to it, these are shots that have bounced from the ground before being returned again.
That said, there are various types of this shot that have the ability to change a particular game’s entire view. Likewise, they are one of the hardest shots to master, too.
Therefore, in this article, we are going to inform you of everything you need to know about the pickleball volley – so you can be a professional on the pitch.
The Pickleball Volley Basics
A volley is performed when the ball is hit midair and sent to the opposite side of the court during a rally. This is an ongoing play that takes place between the serve and fault.
To perform a volley, players can use both backhand and forehand positions. Although, it is most commonly achieved with a backhand.
A volleyed shot is most commonly placed at the non-volley zone line.
To hit the volley flawlessly, you should maintain the paddle at a slight loft.
Here, no swinging of the paddle is necessary, simply position the paddle vertically and give the ball a slight ‘push’.
It is recommended to push the ball away from the net of the opponent.
What Is A Volley?
A volley is a technique used in pickleball whereby you hit the ball in the air before it bounces into the court. Here, the particular player needs to be close to or at the NVZ line and slide the ball to the opposite side – whether using a forehand or backhand.
Although, you can start a game using a volley – since the ball needs to be bounced once off the ground.
When it comes to professionals, here they volley the ball at a medium pace, ensuring that the ball is hit low yet hard simultaneously. When the ball is hit too fast, it may have the tendency to get into the nets or make the return too fast.
Why Are Volleys Important In Pickleball?
Volleys are important in pickleball when it comes to bringing your opposing player close to the net, controlling the game’s pace, etc. When utilized correctly, it can be a ground-breaking method – allowing you to gain lots of points or potentially lose them.
When done right, you’re sure to score tons of points and potentially even win the match. As such, below, we have outlined some of the most important factors when it comes to utilizing the volley in pickleball games:
Volleys help you to gain control in the court. Here, there is a higher probability of attacking your opponent’s feet, therefore, you should take your chance to score some points.
Playing the volley technique ensures your opponent is closer to the net. Since you can only volley near the net, this forces your opponent to stand in the non-volley zone line.
Here, you can understand your opponent’s reflexes. If they are slow, you’ll understand this as one of their weaknesses. Thus, you can use the volley to better pace your opponent.
Rather than running all around the court, the volley ensures all players are in one position – helping to pace down the game.
Volley Rules
In pickleball, one of the most crucial shots is the volley. Therefore, the committee has outlined a few different rules in order to ensure that all players are undertaking the volley correctly.
All these rules must be followed, otherwise, your scorecard could see some unwanted penalties.
The volley should be performed either forehand or backhand.
When serving the technique, the ball isn’t allowed to bounce before being stricken.
Backswings aren’t allowed.
Players are not allowed to enter the non-volley zone, otherwise, it would be counted as a fault.
You must open the paddle to ensure the ball goes slightly higher than the net.
You can’t perform a volley in the ‘out of bounds area’.
The game can’t be started using a volley.
Types Of Volley
Roll Volley
A roll volley can be used to hit your opponent’s drop shot. Here, you can use topspin if the ball were to go lower than the height of the net, allowing you to hit the ball without it having to bounce.
Hence the name roll volley.
Punch Volley
If you’re looking to hit your opponent’s feet, then the best way to do so is with a Punch volley. As the name suggests, this technique is performed in a punch motion.
Here, you keep the paddle perpendicular, allowing your arm to go further from your elbow and using your wrist to punch the ball onto the opponent’s court.
Dink Volley
This shot is performed when you’re standing in the non-volley zone line and dinking the shot without allowing the ball to bounce – making the ball fall into your opponent’s non-volley zone.
Drop Volley
The drop volley is one of the most subtle volleys you can perform. Here, all you need to have is a soft grip to brace the pace of the incoming ball. Here, you can hit the ball in an upwards direction to get it into the opponent’s net.
In addition to this, is it also referred to as a reset or a block volley.
Final Thoughts
As one of the most popular pickleball techniques, there is a lot to be known about the understated volley. What is ideal about this shot is that it can be used both forehanded and backhanded by players of all levels.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about the volley shot in pickleball.
Hello, I’m Damien Dansel and I have been playing pickleball for almost six years now. It all began in my first year of college when I was drowning in coursework and finals. I needed a stress reliever, but none of the usual suspects were working.
That’s when I saw that the pickleball court was free. I had a paddle, a ball, and a dream, and plenty of stress to unload. I encouraged some of my friends to come and play with me, and eventually, we even started a pickleball club at our college.
I started this site to get more people clued in and excited about pickleball. Please, take a look around and get as excited about this underrated sport as we are!
