Introduction to Serve-and-Volley in Tennis
The art of serve-and-volley had been perfected by tennis greats like Jack Kramer, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, and Martina Navratilova. Serve-and-volley is a style of play in tennis where the player serving moves quickly towards the net after the serve.
Notable Tennis Players and Their Techniques
Jimmy Connors’ Serve Speed
Jimmy Connors’ serve was timed at 115mph on early ATP radar, though he didn’t often reach that speed. It would be roughly equivalent to about 130mph on today’s radar. More often, Connors’ flat serve was nearly the same as McEnroe’s, typically ranging from 110-125mph on today’s radar.
John McEnroe’s Success
John McEnroe won three Wimbledon titles in 1981. He was known for his talent on the court but also for his fiery personality, earning the nickname "Superbrat." McEnroe dethroned Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon and won four U.S. Open titles.
The Best Net Players in Tennis
Often, the best net players in tennis find more success in doubles, where the volley plays a significant role. Here are a few notable net players:
- Michael Llodra
- Roger Federer
- Radek Stepanek
- Mardy Fish
- Leander Paes
- Roberta Vinci
- Andy Murray
- Cara Black
Can You Volley in Tennis?
A volley is a shot in tennis where a player returns the ball before it bounces. Players usually perform volleys at the service line or closer to the net, using a Continental grip for volleys, although some advanced players may opt for an Eastern forehand grip.