Volley in LiteBall

At the net, the ready position is essential, along with the split step. The key elements are:

• Body Leaning Forward: The body weight should be on the balls of the feet, with the shoulders ahead of the feet.
• Arm Position: The elbows and forearms should be away from the body, approximately 10 cm in front of the abdomen.
• Racquet and Grip: The racquet should be oriented forward with a single hammer grip, with the left hand (for right-handed players) on the throat of the racquet.
• Eyes and Head Position: The head should be slightly elevated, with the eyes focused on the opponent’s shot and the ball.
• Footing: Feet should be shoulder-width apart for stability, with a slight knee bend to control the body’s forward lean.

This ready position is crucial even during sequences, forming the foundation for all types of volleys.

The first movement is preparation (early opening). The speed required at the net demands effective and quick preparation, involving minimal joint movement. For the forehand volley, from the position with elbows forward, the preparation consists simply of opening the wrist, positioning the racquet horizontally and parallel to the net, as if to catch the ball. This action is short and limited by anatomy, with a slight shoulder and trunk rotation (20-25°). The non-dominant hand stays close to the dominant hand to facilitate this rotation.

In the backhand volley, the dominant arm is in front. The preparation involves positioning the right arm  extended/relaxed (slightly bending the elbow), parallel to the net and horizontally. The racquet is then vertical, tilted backward (40-45°), with the left hand still holding the throat of the racquet, aligning the elbow and shoulder with it. This fixed point forms a “launch ramp” for the racquet.

The eastern grip is recommended for the backhand as it provides the initial strength needed to block the approaching ball (beginners are advised to focus on this grip until they have learned to control the racquet head with sufficient skill for all ball heights). Most experienced volleyers prefer the hammer (or continental) grip, which allows for quicker transitions between forehand and backhand. This grip also facilitates the execution of slices and drop shots.

Position yourself facing the net, holding the racquet in front of you with both hands. Then, turn to the side, with only the dominant arm executing the forward strike motion. The racquet is positioned a few centimeters behind the impact point before accelerating forward to abruptly intercept the ball with a backhand motion, leaving the left hand just before the impact point.

For an effective volley, the hips remain facing the net before the hit. Open stance to the right or left depending on the need to move forward or already be in striking position ensures the necessary balance.

After preparation and open stance, the player must transfer their weight. This involves pushing strongly forward at the moment of impact, allowing the racquet to strike the moving ball. The combination of the push, racquet impact, and ball speed creates the kinetic energy needed to give the ball the appropriate speed.

Impact occurs in front of the balancing foot, with the shoulders perpendicular to the net to maintain lateral distance. For the cross-court volley, the strike plane is more advanced than for a down-the-line volley. The follow-through involves a slight wrist flexion to guide the racquet into the play area, without elbow flexion/extension to avoid inaccuracies. The balance after the shot is controlled by the opposite leg, with the racquet making a slight downward motion to slice the ball.