Tennis has evolved significantly over the years, with players continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the court. However, amidst all the power serves and baseline rallies, one aspect of the game seems to have been forgotten – the art of serve and volley.
Serve and volley is a classic attacking strategy where Tennis players follow up their serve by charging towards the net, aiming to volley the opponent’s return before it bounces. This aggressive tactic puts immediate pressure on the opponent, forcing them to quickly react and make a shot under pressure. However, in recent years, this technique has become increasingly rare, with modern players favoring baseline play over the more traditional style.
There are a few reasons why serve and volley seems to have fallen out of favor. The increased speed of serves in today’s game can make it challenging to reach the net in time, requiring players to have exceptional speed and agility. Additionally, the advancement in racket technology has allowed players to generate immense power and pace from the baseline, making it more tempting to stay back and rely on these powerful groundstrokes.
Another factor that has contributed to the decline of serve and volley is the slower court surfaces. As tournaments have switched from faster grass and carpet courts to slower hard and clay surfaces, players have found it harder to follow up their serve effectively. The slower pace of the court allows opponents more time to track and respond to the serve, making it riskier to rush the net.
However, it would be a mistake to completely dismiss the value and beauty of serve and volley. The attacking nature of this strategy keeps opponents on their toes, making them uncomfortable and forcing errors. It requires players to have excellent timing, quick reflexes, and skillful volleying technique. When executed well, serve and volley can be a powerful weapon, putting immense pressure on opponents and allowing players to control the pace and flow of the game.
Furthermore, serve and volley can provide a refreshing change in today’s baseline-dominated tennis. It adds variety and excitement to a game that can sometimes devolve into monotonous rallies. The cat-and-mouse exchanges at the net bring an element of suspense and strategy that keeps the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Some current players have shown glimpses of the forgotten art of serve and volley. Swiss maestro Roger Federer is known for his elegant and effective serve and volley game, using it to great effect on faster surfaces like grass. Other players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Feliciano Lopez, and Nicolas Mahut have also embraced the strategy and proven its effectiveness when executed with precision.
To revive the art of attacking tennis, it is crucial to encourage young players to develop the necessary skills for serve and volley. Coaching programs should emphasize the importance of a strong volleying technique alongside other fundamental skills. Moreover, tournament organizers can help by gradually reintroducing faster court surfaces, creating a more balanced and diverse playing field.
Serve and volley may be a forgotten art in modern tennis, but it is one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. It adds versatility, excitement, and elegance to the game. By keeping the flame of serve and volley alive, we can ensure that tennis continues to evolve and captivate audiences for generations to come.