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Master the Backhand Punch Volley for Offensive Play

The backhand punch volley is one of the most important shots to add to your game as you advance from the 3.5 to 4.0 skill levels. 

While many players tend to simply block balls back defensively on their weaker backhand side, learning to punch volley aggressively with this shot can make your backhand a true offensive weapon.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the keys to developing a go-to backhand punch volley. 

With the right technique and focused practice, you’ll be able to keep opponents on their heels and control points off of your backhand wing.

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Solid Set Up Positioning

Proper positioning is the foundation for executing any volley effectively. When expecting a shot to your backhand, get your feet set up in an athletic ready position. 

Keep your paddle out front with a slight elbow bend, providing room to punch forward. Turn the paddle face diagonally to align for your backhand.

Make sure to leave some space - about 2 feet between your body and paddle. This gives you clearance to punch forward without jamming yourself. 

Being too close with the paddle tucked in tight leads to defensive blocked shots. Having spacing out front presets you for solid extension.

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Aggressive Punch Motion

The “punch” action itself is an aggressive, abbreviated stroke aimed at generating pace. 

Time your forward swing to make contact just as the ball arrives. Punch straight ahead by extending your arm using your elbow and shoulder joint. The paddle face should drive 6 inches to 1 foot past your body.

Wrist action is minimal on the punch volley. Keep the paddle face firm and perpendicular to the ball’s path to transmit force directly back. 

No flip or roll of the wrist - just a quick, compact punch. This puts oomph on the ball versus passively blocking it back.

Hit Through the Ball

Make sure to actively swing through on your punch volley contact. Many players stop short, absorbing the power of shots put to their backhand. Instead, punch directly over the net, driving through the ball.

Contact point is typically waist to chest high on your forehand side. You aren’t rolling under or cutting up at the ball. 

Stay level and hit aggressively through the ball’s center to keep it low with pace. This allows you to seize offense and push opponents back.

Practice Proper Technique

Like any shot, mastery of the backhand punch volley requires practice and conscious effort. 

Take time to groove your positioning and punching motion away from live play. Start slowly without a ball, then graduate to swinging at tossed balls.

Focus on keeping the paddle face firm and level through contact. Work on your timing and extension, punching forward to meet the ball. 

As you improve, step up the velocity. Have a partner or ball machine feed you backhand volleys at match pace.

Using It In Matches

The punch volley shines when opponents leave mid-court balls up that you can attack back aggressively. 

Look to punch volley return of serves, third shot drops, or high soft dinks. Any ball you can intercept deep off the bounce is a chance to gain control with your new backhand weapon.

This shot really pays dividends against baseliners who want to work points from deep. 

Taking balls early off the bounce with a punch volley keeps you in command at the non-volley zone. 

You can also use it when pulled wide to drive balls back down the line with added zip.

Mastering this technique takes time. Start by using it when opportunities arise in matches. 

With practice, it will become your go-to for seizing offense off your backhand. The backhand punch volley is a hallmark of 4.0+ play. 

Add it to your game and watch your competition and confidence rise!

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FAQs

What is the key difference between a punch volley and a block volley?

A punch volley has an aggressive, abbreviated forward swing to drive through the ball, while a block volley absorbs pace and deflects the ball with a more passive motion.

Should the paddle face be open or closed on a backhand punch volley?

Keep the paddle face perpendicular to the ball's path on a punch volley to transmit power directly forward. No rolling or flipping the face open or closed.

What swing path should the paddle follow on a backhand punch volley?

The paddle should swing in a straight line forward, extending around 6 inches to 1 foot past the body with minimal wrist action involved.

Where is the ideal contact point for a backhand punch volley?

Contact is typically made around waist to chest high and in front of the body. You want to hit through the center of the ball.

What are some good opportunities to use the backhand punch volley in a match?

Punch volley when opponents leave mid-court balls up that you can intercept. Great for returns, counter-attacking high soft shots, and handling balls pulled wide.