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David
Palmer’s - Crosscourt Volley
David Palmer
has taken a strong stance, allowing himself to remain balanced as he powers
the racket across his body. Note the good distance between the feet, and
between the body and the ball, giving him a strong striking position rather
than an improvised one.
Palmer is
square onto the side wall, making it easy to play a straight volley if he
chooses, but he has taken the ball out in front and fired it crosscourt.
Note though how he is still focused on the impact point and how he has
braced himself as he swings thought the impact zone – there was no chance of
missing this shot.
Palmer’s
opponent, James Willstrop, has recovered the T well and is up on his toes
but is perhaps drawn into expecting the straight shot. Palmer looks as if he
has a hint of deception on this crosscourt volley. If he plays it at the
right angle, Willstrop is not well placed to intercept it – it may even
force a boast but it will certainly push his opponent back and allow Palmer
to dominate the T on the volley, which is what he is doing. Perhaps Palmer
is thinking ahead and will look to intercept a lifted straight drive return
from Willstrop with his famous crosscourt volley nick.
Tips
- Set up
strong striking positions for all your shots, even your volleys.
- Set up
your shots so that you have alternatives and can vary straight and
crosscourt shots.
-
Try to brace yourself on balance for your shots and focus on the impact
point.
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Use the volley to dominate the T, keep your opponent back and apply
pressure.
- Don’t
be drawn into trying to attack every volley opportunity. Get a balance
between long and short volleys.
- If
you give your opponent a volleying opportunity, push right up on the T as
soon as you can (you will have less time) so that you can cover your
opponent’s alternatives. Intercept if you can. Try to get in front and get
on the T yourself.
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