THE COMFORT ZONE

In order to play your best at the net, you need to find your comfort zone. The comfort zone is that place on the court where your volleys can be aggressive, controlled and confident, but most of all comfortable. In the comfort zone you should be able to step forward into all of your volleys.

If you are stepping backwards, sideways or standing still you most likely are too close to the net. However the question now is: If I am supposed to step into all of my volleys aren�t I going to get too close to the net and out of my comfort zone? The answer is just a little fancy footwork. Once you reach your comfort zone, for every step forward to the volley you must step back after the volley and return to your comfort zone. By staying at your comfort zone you can still play confidently at the net and be an aggressive volleyer, yet still be able to cover a lob.

Court awareness is extremely important in finding your comfort zone. It’s also difficult because your comfort zone may change based on your opponent’s style of play. If your opponent hits hard driving shots you probably will feel more comfortable farther away from the net. If your opponent hits soft shots you may feel more comfortable closer to the net. If your opponent hits soft, loopy shots you may feel more comfortable closer to the net. If your opponent likes to lob, you may feel most comfortable in the middle of the service box. In this case the lob does not look quite as open and easy to get over your head.

The comfort zone is unique to every player. Finding yours can make a vast improvement in your volleys. Just remember that no one’s comfort zone is at the baseline because the party is always at the NET!

by Libby McGovern