Best Volley Targets in Doubles for Winning Points

In doubles, where you place your volleys can make all the difference in controlling the point and ultimately winning it.

Here are the four primary targets for volleys, each with its own high-percentage play to maximize your effectiveness at the net:

 – Why it Works: Aiming for the center window—the space between the two opposing players near the service line—is one of the highest-percentage targets in doubles. Hitting to the center reduces the angles opponents have to work with, forcing them to hit up rather than out wide.

   – When to Use: This is ideal when you’re in a stable volleying position and looking to keep the opponents on the defensive, particularly when they’re out of position.

   – Why it Works: A deep volley cross-court, aiming toward the baseline, forces the opponent farthest away from the net to retrieve the ball, making it harder for them to counterattack. This target also gives you and your partner more time to adjust your position and reset at the net.

   – When to Use: Use this volley target when you need to reset the rally or push the baseline player backward, taking away their time and reducing their ability to hit an aggressive shot.

   – Why it Works: Going down the line can catch the net player by surprise, especially if they’re leaning towards the center to poach or cover a cross-court return. This target opens up space, as it forces one opponent to shift wide, often leaving gaps in their team’s coverage.

   – When to Use: This is effective if you notice the net player poaching or when you want to create movement and disrupt your opponents’ positioning.

   – Why it Works: A sharp-angled volley into the service box can exploit open spaces and make it difficult for opponents to retrieve the ball, especially if they’re positioned deep in the court. This shot takes time away from the opponent and requires them to cover a lot of ground quickly.

   – When to Use: This is best used when you’re close to the net and can control the angle effectively, or when you notice your opponents standing deep. It’s also effective as a finishing shot when you want to end the point outright.

Choosing the right volley target depends on several factors: your positioning, your opponent’s positioning, and the pace of the ball. By being aware of these four primary targets and selecting the right one based on the situation, you increase the likelihood of winning the point. Practicing these placements on the court will help you develop the precision and control needed to apply them in a match.