TENNIS.com - Article Instruction - Net Game - Venus Williams' Swinging Volley

The five-time Wimbledon champion shows off her signature shot.

By Tracy Austin
Photo by Anja Niedringhaus/AP Photo

Venus Williams

1. Grip
When hitting a swinging forehand volley, you can’t do better than the semi-Western grip (for more on grips, go to TENNIS.com/grips). This grip is perfect for high balls because it puts the palm of your hand behind the handle for maximum support. In this photo, the edge of Williams’ pinky finger hangs off the bottom of the handle. Holding the racquet that low allows for a whiplike swing, but I wouldn’t recommend this to amateurs. You’ll sacrifice too much control.

2. Racquet Face
Right before contact, Williams’ racquet is in perfect position. Neither the tip of the frame nor the butt of the handle is leading the way. If your timing is correct, your racquet will look like this and your contact point will be out in front of you. The difficult part of this shot is that it still requires you to hit out and through the ball, not down. You can see by the angle of Williams’ racquet, and her contact point, that she’ll fully extend her hitting arm and drive this ball into the court.

3. Head
Keeping your head still is essential for every shot, but especially for potential point-enders like this one. Often, a forceful swing yanks a player’s head away from the ball, then the shoulders tilt and the hitting arm falls, causing an error. Williams keeps her head up and her body parts working as a unit.

4. Shoulders
At contact, Williams has uncoiled her shoulders and faces the net. Remember to swing from your hitting shoulder, not your elbow. You’ll have a more fluid and powerful swing.

5. Left Arm
Williams tucks her left arm into her side and keeps her left hand pointing out. This does two things: First, it prevents her from over-rotating her shoulders; and second, it helps her maintain her balance.

6. Feet
Williams pushes off with her back foot and keeps a wide stance in the air. She started from a strong, balanced position and will land the same way, ready for another volley.