Pickleball instruction: How to practice hands battles like a pro
The Volley in Pickleball: Rules and Technique
Quick answer
A volley is any shot hit out of the air before the ball bounces. Volleys are legal everywhere on the court except inside the kitchen (the non-volley zone). Most offense at the kitchen line, punch volleys, blocks, and speed-ups, is made up of volleys, so clean volley technique is what separates strong net players from the rest.
Where you can (and can’t) volley
You can volley anywhere except while touching the kitchen or its line, and your momentum can’t carry you in afterward. You also can’t volley until the two-bounce rule has been satisfied at the start of the point.
The main types of volley
Punch volley: a short, firm volley to add pace without overhitting. Block volley: a soft, absorbing volley that resets a hard ball back into the kitchen. Roll volley: a topspin volley that dips at the opponent’s feet. Knowing which one the moment calls for is most of net play.
Volley technique
Keep a compact motion, no big backswing, paddle up and out in front, and firm wrist. Punch through the ball rather than swinging at it. Most volley errors come from taking too big a swing at the net.
Common mistakes
- Taking a big backswing, net play rewards a compact, punchy motion.
- Volleying while touching the kitchen or drifting in on momentum.
- Trying to volley before the two-bounce rule is satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
What is a volley in pickleball?
A volley is any shot hit out of the air before the ball bounces. It’s the main type of shot used for offense at the kitchen line.
Can you volley in the kitchen?
No. You cannot hit a volley while any part of you is touching the kitchen or its line, and your momentum can’t carry you in afterward. You can only hit balls that have bounced from the kitchen.
What is a punch volley?
A punch volley is a short, controlled volley hit with a compact motion to add pace to a ball without overhitting it, common in fast kitchen-line exchanges.
When can you first volley in a point?
Only after the two-bounce rule is satisfied, the serve must bounce and the return must bounce before either team can volley.
Recommended gear
Fast hands battles at the net reward a maneuverable, control-first paddle you can react and reset with, not a heavy power bat.
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