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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-volley

When do you hit a volley in tennis?

A volley is hit before the ball bounces.

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  1. After two bounces
  2. Before the ball bounces ✔
  3. Only after a serve

Why: A volley is a shot hit before the ball touches the ground. Players usually volley near the net.

Huh, didn't know that: A poach is when a doubles net player hits a ball their partner would normally have played.

The dad joke
Why are volleys so polite? They never let the ball drop in.
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References

Answer: Before the ball bounces. A volley is a shot hit before the ball touches the ground. Players usually volley near the net.

  1. USTA: Tennis terms and definitions www.usta.com/en/home/improve/tips-and-instruction/national/tennis-terms-definitions.html
    a stroke made by hitting the ball before it has touched the ground
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessCan the receiver volley the serve, hitting it before it bounces?Sports & FitnessCan you reach over the net and hit the ball before it crosses to your side?Sports & FitnessYou hit the ball on your side, and your racket follows through over the net. Is that OK?

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