The None-Volley Zone

The NVZ can be a safe haven, a battlefield, or anything in between. But it is never a place to let your guard down - here are my "best practices" recommendations for playing at the NVZ.

Be There
If you are not at the NVZ, you should be trying to get there. And by "there" I mean 2-3 inches away from the line. Not 12 inches; not 2-3 feet away so you have "more time". The advantages of being truly at the NVZ far outweigh any perceived advantages about being further back.

Do NOT stand tall and bend sideways with your paddle head pointing down to get low balls. Be in your ready position with knees bent so that minimal movement is necessary and faster recovery is possible. Just bend your knees a bit and get those low balls.

Stay There
With very few exceptions (a lob or an overhead slam from your opposite opponent at his/her NVZ) you need to STAY at the NVZ. Your presence alone will save you more rallies than you would ever gain by being on the run backwards. If your opponents are winning too many speedups at the NVZ, don't give them big fat balls to hit. Take ownership of your weak, attackable shots.

Do NOT back up to let a ball bounce. Instead, learn to reach in and softly drop your return into the opposing NVZ.

Do NOT walk around a backhand dink to get at your forehand. It leaves a canyon open between you and your partner. If your backhand sucks that badly, work on fixing it.

Move left and right ONLY when necessary. Move one foot for short adjustments, side shuffle for a step or two, and only cross-over for very wide shots. Less is more when it comes to NVZ footwork.

Move into the NVZ only when necessary, and only with one foot whenever possible. This will allow you to retreat quickly and safely without having to look at where your feet are. NVZ foot faults are unforgiveable.

Stay LOW and don't move your feet when defending against speed-ups. When you move up and back, your paddle angle typically changes to "pop-up" mode and the results are not pretty.

Staying LOW at the NVZ will also give you a better read on high "out" balls, and you will be less inclined to hit them.

Win There
Control the NVZ and win more rallies. Win more rallies and win more games. Simple, eh?

Michael Gauthier

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