With all due respect to many former tour players giving instructional tips on television, a recent “One Minute Clinic” on the Tennis Channel by Justin Gimelstob is too misleading for me not to speak up.

I was recently doing a 2-hour on-court session with a young boy who won the national “Little Mo” Championships just a couple of years ago. This soon-to-be 13-year-old is a great athlete, has outstanding focus, and plays with fairly solid technique. One of the transitions for him to play in the 14’s and then the 16’s is to improve his ability to close out points, including moving forwards to the net.

So, it was natural in the session that we worked on his ability to hit crisp volleys. This junior had heard from other coaches about the source of power on the volley. Plus, he happened to just see that Tennis Channel tip from Justin and was convinced that the primary source of power on the volley is stepping forward.  Yes, stepping forwards to volley is a good thing, but NOT because it is the primary power source on the volley.

Here are the factors to consider from both common sense and research from leading sports scientists:

The body speed of the forwards step on the volley can be as fast as 10-12 mph, but is rarely faster since it usually follows the natural slowdown that comes with the split step. That’s how much extra racquet speed a single forwards step can add. Since the racquet speed of a compact volley motion on high level players is about only about 40 mph, the step can add a mere 25% to the racquet speed. So, how can the step be the primary source of power? I have a racquet speed radar gun and have tested all of this very methodically.

To test this point and to improve your volley, try standing at the net on one leg and volley against some fast balls, trying to hit firm volleys. This little drill will teach players better balance while improving their feel for generating pace on volleys without much swing.  You’ll also see that the natural rebound of a fast ball off your strings combined with your own racquet speed (albeit in a very compact swing motion) is the primary source of volley pace. Add the step for a little more bite, but the step itself is not the primary source of power.

Anyway, this is one of the common myths in tennis. That said, is it good to step in and not swing too much? Absolutely!!! The benefits of stepping in include:

1. A little added racquet speed (see above)

2. Balance for control.

3. Catching the ball at a higher point to get a better angle into your opponent’s court.

4. Taking the ball earlier which takes time away from your opponent which is the same as hitting the ball harder.

5. It also helps the player contact the ball further in front.