You’ll hear plenty of strange words on the pickleball court. From kitchens to dinks, a pickleball player’s vocabulary is filled with oddities. But what do the words mean?

Pickle Goddesses is on the case!

In today’s blog post, we’ll be discussing the volley.

Defining the Volley

Now, there are two types of volleys. One is a type of serve. The other is a standardized hit. Don’t worry; we’ll cover both!

The Volley Serve

Let’s start with volley serves. These are one of two legal serving styles in pickleball; the other is a drop serve.

In a volley serve, the player hits the ball before it bounces.

Now, mastering the volley serve isn’t strictly necessary. You can always use the drop serve! It’s an easier serving style beloved by many beginners, although you won’t see many pros using it. Most pickleball players eventually “graduate” from volley serving. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to master the basic skills of the game.

Hitting Volleys

The second definition of a volley is more complex.

In pickleball, volleys are defined as any hits made before the ball bounces. As you may have guessed, these airborne shots cannot be performed within the kitchen (also known as the “non-volley zone”). Similarly, players cannot volley until both the serving team and the receiving team have hit the ball once. In other words, you must wait until the third shot of a match to even think about volleying the ball!

But, with that in mind, it sounds simple, right? Hit the ball out of the air and pop it into the opposing side. How complicated can it be?

Well…

The Different Types of Volleys

There are actually many ways to successfully execute a volley.

Per USA Pickleball’s rules, volleys can be hit forehand or backhand. However, they cannot be performed with a backswing. Instead, players must execute volleys with a squared paddle face and a pushing motion, essentially lifting the ball over the net.

Similarly, no part of a player may be within the non-volley zone when performing a volley. And that means anything. Not your big toe. Not the tip of your pinky finger. Even your clothing counts toward this, so having the bill of your sunhat poking over that kitchen line is a fault, too!

Moreover, regardless of how you volley, you must know the four types of volley shots:

• Dink volleys
• Drop volleys (also known as “block” volleys)
• Punch volleys
• Roll volleys (also known as a “topspin” volley)

What Is a Dink Volley?

Let’s go down the list!

A dink volley is an offensive shot that helps a team maintain control. It’s exactly what it sounds like, too. A player hits an opponent’s dink back, aiming for the non-volley zone, to send the other team scrambling! It’s a tricky, fast shot that drops fast and flies low.

When performing a dink volley, players stand at the non-volley zone line. Bend at your knees and use an upward pushing motion to send the ball low and steady over the net. It should fly true before dropping into the opponent’s non-volley zone and testing their reaction time!

What Is a Drop Volley?

Also known as a block volley or reset volley, a drop volley is a defensive shot. You may perform it without knowing it by volleying an unexpected shot across the net. They’re the perfect solution to hard-hitting plays. When done right, a drop volley lands softly in the middle of an opponent’s playing area.

You’ll need a soft grip to absorb the power of a hard hit. Otherwise, you’ll pop that return deep and continue the cycle.

What Is a Punch Volley?

Next, we have the common and adaptable punch volley. This technique hinges on your elbow — literally! You hit the ball with a firm wrist and push with your elbow, creating a shocking shot that lands at your opponent’s feet.

While it’s often used offensively, a well-timed punch volley can also work as a defensive save.

What Is a Roll Volley?

Finally, the roll volley — also known as a “topspin volley¨ — is a powerful, control-oriented tactic. Often used to counter a third-shot drop, the roll volley flies deep and fast. Its low-to-high swing packs plenty of power into the ball, forcing opponents to scramble for the baseline.

Most of they volleys are typically executed when the point of contact is below your waist. The opposing team should be at the kitchen line or mid-court; otherwise, you’re hitting volleys to well-established court positioning.

How to Master Your Pickleball Volleys

Awesome!

We know the basics. Now, let’s start working on our technique.

As with most things in pickleball, you’ll need an athletic stance. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and compress your body. Think of yourself as a coiled spring. You’re storing kinetic energy and releasing it into the ball. Your arms should be slightly bent.

Next, look at your paddle.

Keep the paddle faced slightly open. The angle of your paddle shows where the ball goes. Having too much of a tilt will smack the ball out of bounds.

And don’t forget to pay close attention to your paddle grip! Most players use a hammer grip (also known as a “continental grip”). This position promotes the firm wrist you’ll need to perfect your volleying. Keep things loose and use “soft hands,” though! Like an over-angled paddle face, a death grip repels the ball and sends it flying deep. Remember: You want to touch the ball, not slam it!

Need some more points? Check out this video from Enhance Pickleball! It’s packed with amazing volleying tips. And don’t forget to keep scrolling! There’s more to learn about volleying.

Know When to Start Volleying

Remember what we said about using the volley — how some are offensive and defensive?

Let’s expand on that. A pickleball volley has plenty of uses, but you must be in the right position to make it work.

For offensive volleys, you want the opposing team to be near the baseline or center court. Start hitting volleys low and short, aiming for their non-volley zone, to force them into tight spots. Your goal is to keep the opponent’s feet moving!

Conversely, defensive volleys should be powerful, tricky plays. You can aim for your opponents’ feet or volley deep. Either way, you’re forcing players to scramble and changing the incoming pace of that pickleball. Ideally, your quick reflexes will outshine your opponents’ reaction time!

Summarily, there are three “perfect” situations for a pickleball volley:

• Control: Regain control and find your footing with a well-placed defensive volley. Think of them as a drop shot to that non-volley line. You want to restructure the pickleball game around your strengths!
• Positioning: Change the pace of the pickleball game by redirecting an incoming ball. A softer shot to a baseline-hugging opponent speeds up the game, while a hard volley beyond the non-volley line opens up more breathing room.
• Pressure: Offensive pickleball volleys are the perfect way to start putting pressure on the other team. You’re looking for that gorgeous, low volley to catch your opponents off guard. They’re bound to make mistakes as they scramble to avoid a fault.

Master the Motion

You must also know how to hit a volley.

As noted in official pickleball rules, a true volley is not a hit. In fact, it’s closer to a pushing motion. It’s less about smacking the ball out of the air before it bounces and more about pushing it where you need it.

Don’t swing from your shoulder! Focus on your elbow and use your dominant hand to gently nudge the ball in the right direction. You want enough force to pop the ball low and steady. However, too much energy ensures you’ll lose control of the ball.

Perfect Your Grip

A volleying player must also pay close attention to their grip. As Enhance Pickleball helpfully notes, the continental grip is the ideal way to prepare for all volley types. It’s a sturdy, versatile hold that works for fore- and backhand shots. More importantly, it lets you get that volley low and keeps and you in your ready position.

When you close your hand around your paddle, focus on gripping with your index finger and thumb. The remaining three fingers should stabilize the paddle. Think of it as a formal handshake!

Final Thoughts and Practice Drills

Of course, you can’t expect to master the court without practice! Don’t be discouraged by net shots. Keep practicing to improve your pickleball volleys and maintain consistent volleying power. Those hours you spend on drills will pay off once you score some points!

You’ll find dozens of vollley drills scattered across the web, but we’re highlighted our favorites below. We also have an entire blog post dedicated to solo pickleball practice.s

Prepare to sharpen those quick reflexes and make sure you can pop the ball out of the air before it bounces by checking out that blog post and these handy volley drills.

Be aware that most of these drills require a partner! That solo practice post is a better resource for finding practice setups if you’re alone.

The Setup for a Perfect Volley Drill

All of these drills require a partner and a net. You’ll have to hit up a local court when everyone’s at work or find a place to make your own court!

Once you’re there, stand on opposite sides of the net. Let your partner serve and follow these guides to practice hitting gorgeous pickleball volleys. Tell your partner beforehand what you’re practicing, as this will influence how they hit the ball.

1. The Backhand-to-Backhand Volley

Most volleys are backhand hits, and that fact can give you the slightest edge. If your opponent favors forehand hits, aiming at their backhand side can throw them out of their groove. So, practice hitting those volleys!

For this drill, you want your partner to hit a forehand shot. Volley it back and aim for their backhand side. For extra fun, practice this drill back and forth, keeping tally of each other’s score.

2. The Speed Test

Pump up the energy with this rapid-fire drill!

Ask your partner to hit as many successive serves as they can. Don’t worry about the specifics. You’re testing your instincts with this drill. Try to volley as many shots back as you can and track how many clear the net.

It may be helpful to bring a third player with you for this drill. Ask them to watch the ball and track where your shots land. Your “opponent” can do so, too, but they’ll probably be more focused on serving!

3. The Accuracy Drill

Finally, practice your volleying accuracy by asking for some forehand shots. (Or you can mix it up by letting your partner choose their serving style.) Swing for each shot and do your best to aim at a specific spot.

Consider bringing some brightly colored masking tape for this drill. Form a cross or square over your volley “goal” to better track your progress. Trakc your progress by counting how many times your ball lands in the right spot.

And take this drill slow! This isn’t a speed test; it’s a precision training exercise.

Learn Even More About Pickleball

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