Steps to a Half Volley like Federer

Photos courtesy Jim Fawcette   ©jfawcette

Federer astounds on the half volley He makes the most difficult of shots appear simple

And this has nothing to do with so-called NO MAN’S LAND, for certainly the ball can land at your feet no matter where you are positioned.

Want some simple keys to improving your half volley?

• Always practice and play balls that are close to the line, if not barely wide or long

• As a ball 4 inches beyond the baseline is no less difficult that one 2 inches inside the baseline

• (and to my eye hardly anyone treats practice opportunities that way)

• Prepare before the bounce

• Prepare behind rather than above the ball

• Shorten the stroke – your goal is a solid hit (not powerful just solid)

• Stay down with the ball

• Cut yourself some slack – for perfecting this shot will take some time