Roger Federer Volley Analysis

Whether the ball is chest high or around his ankles, Roger Federer maintains ideal form on his volleys.
Roger Federer is fundamentally sound in all areas of the court—he can produce great shots either from the baseline or up at net, which contributes to his success on every surface. These photos illustrate the excellent technique he uses on both high and low volleys. The world’s best player maintains perfect control over his body, making difficult shots look easy.

CHEST HIGH

HEAD:You can virtually draw a line from the center of Federer’s head to a spot right in the middle of his feet. This produces an incredible center of gravity that allows him to move like a ballet dancer on the court.

CHIN:Federer’s chin is practically touching his right shoulder as he watches the ball into the sweet spot. Many players prematurely pull their heads away to watch the volley and end up shanking the shot.

LEFT ARM:Like a figure skater or skateboarder, Federer extends his left arm out for good balance. Imagine walking a tightrope— you’ve got to have both arms out to maintain your equilibrium.

WRIST:By keeping his racquet head above his wrist, Federer can volley with power and control. This kind of technique promotes a stable racquet face.

HIPS:Federer’s legs and hips are perpendicular to the net, which will help him direct the ball toward his intended target. When the hips open up, you tend to cut across the ball and create difficult-tocontrol inside-out spin.

LEFT FOOT:Notice that Federer’s left foot is off the court at impact. This means he’s transferring his weight forward through the shot by pushing off his back leg.

Article by Ken Flach, Photos By Clive Brunskill, Nadine Rupp - Tennis.com