At the highest levels of pickleball, every shot matters.

Even the smallest weakness can be exposed by skilled opponents. One of the key skills that separates top players from the rest of the pack is their volley game, particularly the speed of their reactions and the effectiveness of their volleys.

Simply put, the better your volleys, the less attackable you become, and the more dangerous you are on the court.

The Key to Great Volleys: Compact, Controlled Power

What makes a great volley? Sometimes, it's raw power; other times, it's finesse and touch. But for this lesson, let's focus on the initial attack and the volley exchanges that follow.

One of the most common mistakes players make is having a volley stroke that is too large and extended. The desire to hit the ball with maximum power often leads to an overextended swing, but if you find yourself doing this, it's not necessarily because you lack strength.

The real issue is likely that you are too far away from the ball, either vertically or horizontally.

Shoulder Position: The Secret to Volley Speed

When you're too far from the ball, your shoulders are often positioned too far from your contact point. This slows down your reaction time and reduces the efficiency of your power.

Conversely, the closer your shoulders are to the contact point, the faster and more efficient your volleys will be.

Pro tip: Next time you're in an intense volley exchange, think less about just getting your paddle on the ball and more about positioning your shoulders closer to the action. This subtle change can significantly increase your reaction speed.

Footwork and Body Height: The Unsung Heroes of the Volley

When you face an attack, do you ever think about your footwork or body height? Probably not—most players are just focused on getting their paddle in place. But let’s break down what happens when you're standing tall, especially when a ball is hit below the net's height.

When you're standing upright, your arm must extend just to reach the ball, meaning you've already used one important lever—your elbow—just to make contact.

At that point, you're left with only your shoulder and wrist to generate power and control, which severely limits your options.

To compare, imagine asking a professional baseball pitcher to throw underhand—they could do it, but they’d never generate the same power or precision. The same concept applies here.

When you stand tall, you restrict your power potential. Dropping your body height unlocks the full kinetic chain, allowing you to load your elbow, shoulder, and triceps to generate more punching power on your volleys.

How to Use Body Height to Boost Your Volleys

Lowering your body height creates the space needed to engage your elbow and shoulder more effectively, generating more controlled power on your volleys.

You’ll find that you can make cleaner, more decisive shots without overcommitting to a huge swing. This way, you won’t swing wildly only to send a forehand volley sailing out of bounds.

Yes, you've probably heard the advice to “get low” or “bend your knees” before, but here’s why it really matters: Lowering your body height gives you better leverage and keeps your elbow in a position to fully utilize the strength of your upper body.

Check out the full video tutorial here on Selkirk TV:

Take Action: Watch Yourself and Make the Adjustment

So, how do you know if you’re making the right adjustments? The answer is simple—record yourself. Grab a GoPro or use your phone to take footage of your volleys in action.

Watch the replay carefully. Often, what you feel like you’re doing on the court and what’s actually happening can be quite different.

By reviewing the footage, you’ll gain real insight into your technique, allowing you to make the necessary changes to improve your volley game.