The swing that begins all volleys in tennis is commonly referred to as the "preparation," which includes the initial movement and the "take-back" of the racket before making contact with the ball. In essence, a volley typically begins with the player positioning themselves near the net, getting into an athletic stance, and preparing to intercept the ball by quickly bringing their racket back. This preparation is crucial for setting up an effective volley, allowing players to react quickly and make precise contact with the ball.
When players execute volleys, they often use a short, compact swing instead of a full swing, focusing on controlling the ball and placing it accurately. The key elements of a successful volley include good footwork, proper grip, and quick reflexes.