the swing that begins all volleys
In tennis, the swing that begins all volleys is called a "swing volley." It is a technique in which the player hits the ball out of the air before it bounces on their side of the court. This shot is used when the ball is too high to comfortably hit it as a groundstroke but too low to let it bounce and play it as a regular volley.
To execute a swing volley, the player should position themselves near the net with their feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. As the opponent's shot approaches, the player should prepare by transitioning their racquet back, similar to a normal groundstroke. As the ball reaches the ideal height, which is usually around waist level, the player quickly swings forward and hits the ball with the racquet head slightly in front of their body.
It is essential to maintain good balance during the swing volley, as it requires quick footwork and coordination to adjust to the ball's trajectory. This shot is often used when the player wants to seize control of the point by hitting an aggressive shot and putting pressure on their opponent. However, it requires precise timing and coordination to execute effectively.