A common mistake made while facing an opponent at the net is trying to counter with a hard-hit passing shot, especially when there’s no open court to target. It just won’t work if your opponent has good net position or has hit a good approach shot. You’re best reply is to use heavy topspin instead of hitting a forceful shot. Here’s why:
Topspin causes the ball to drop. A shot hit with heavy topspin presents a more difficult ball to volley than a drive. It takes a good volleyer to handle a low, dipping topspin shot.
Heavy topspin allows you to play sharper angles. Even if you don’t hit an outright winner, an acutely angled ball may force the volleyer to play a weak shot.
Topspin becomes underspin. When a topspin shot hits your opponent’s racquet it rebounds off with underspin. Unless the volleyer compensates for this his shot may pop up or fly beyond the baseline.
Most volleyers prefer hard-hit shots. By producing a shot with less pace and more spin you force your opponent to create their own power, which many find difficult to do.