Tip 1

If you’re tired of losing to bangers who hit the ball hard over and over again, you need to learn the backhand punch volley. The backhand punch volley is one of the most effective ways to redirect pace so you can counter hard drives and speedups.

A backhand punch volley is where you hit a hard backhand volley in front of your chest with the paddle facing directly towards the other side of the net the whole time. It’s called a “punch” volley, because the motion mimics a punching motion.

To hit a backhand punch volley you should start with your paddle facing flat towards the other side of the court and a slight bend in your elbow. As the ball comes to you, you should extend your paddle straight towards your target so that you finish with your arm fully outstretched. For maximum power, you should make contact with the ball right in the middle of your swing.

Executing a perfect punch volley requires good preparation. Always wait for the ball with your paddle up, out in front, and always expect the attack!

Tip 2

If you want to perfect your backhand punch volley, prioritize good preparation. Keep your paddle up in your ready position above the net with your elbows in front of your body. One of the most common mistakes that leads to errors on the backhand punch volley is the paddle being down below the net with the elbows in. If your paddle is down, you have to pick it up before you can swing out to the ball, which takes additional time. Since you’re only 14 feet away from your opponents at the kitchen, you need to use all the time you can get! The last thing you want when your opponents attack you is to be late to the ball. If you keep your paddle up and out, all you have to do is swing forward, allowing you to keep your swing short and compact. Finally, always expect an attack, no matter how good of a shot you hit. That way your paddle will always be prepared!

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