What is a Volley in Pickleball? How to Execute

Simply put, a volley is when you hit the ball out of the air before it bounces. Mastering volleys is the key to controlling the pace and keeping your opponents on their toes (or back on their heels). A strong volley game keeps you in charge, dictating the flow of play and making you a serious threat on the court.

Before we start, let’s clear up some pickleball terminology. A rally is a continuous exchange of shots (whether they hit the ball before or after it bounces), while a volley is a specific shot hit in the air before it touches the ground. Then there’s the half-volley, which is when you hit the ball right after it bounces before it climbs to full height. Knowing these differences will sharpen your strategy and make you a smarter player.

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Volleying Rules

• Stay out of the Kitchen when Volleying
  The non-volley zone, better known as "the Kitchen," is a seven-foot area near the net. A general rule of thumb: No volleying in the Kitchen. No stepping in after a volley. No sneaky toe touches. If violated, you lose the point.

• Maintain Position
  Balance is key. If momentum pulls you into the Kitchen after a volley, that’s a fault. Stay in control and keep your footing sharp.

• Avoid Carrying
  A clean hit is a legal hit. No scooping, dragging, or cradling the ball with your paddle. 

• Don’t Double Hit It
  One smooth motion—that’s all you get. If the ball makes contact with your paddle twice, it’s a fault. No do-overs.

• Heed Proper Serve Sequence
  Remember the two-bounce rule: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are fair game.

What are the Different Types of Volleying?

• Punch Volley
  A quick, controlled shot with a short, sharp movement. Great for redirecting pace and keeping your opponent scrambling.

• Roll Volley (Topspin Volley)
  Adds topspin to the shot, making it dip quickly and harder to return.

• Drop Volley
  A soft touch shot that lands near the net, forcing your opponent to run forward.

• Dink Volley
  A delicate shot near the Kitchen line, just barely clearing the net to throw off your opponent’s rhythm.

• Erne
  A sneaky move where you step outside the court near the net to hit a volley at an unexpected angle.  If you can pull it off, you’ll look really cool doing it.

Learn How to Volley in Pickleball

A strong volleying technique requires the right stance, grip, and shot control. Nail these fundamentals, and you’ll be a net-dominating machine in no time.

How to Volley

1. Keep an Athletic Stance

• Slight bend in the knees.

• Feet shoulder-width apart.

• Paddle up and ready to strike.

2. Position Near the Kitchen Line

• Stay close but don’t step in unless necessary. The best volleys happen right outside the Kitchen.

3. Control the Paddle

• Hold your paddle at a 10 or 11 o’clock position.

• Don’t squeeze too hard—a relaxed grip equals better control.

4. Swing from the Shoulders

• Keep your wrist steady. Power comes from your shoulders, not your arms.

5. Aim Your Shot Low

• Keeping the ball low forces awkward returns from your opponent. A high volley is a gift-wrapped opportunity for them—don’t hand it over.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Hitting the ball too hard – Power is great, but control wins games. Placement beats brute force.

• Hovering in the Kitchen – Know when you can step in and when you have to stay out.

• Over-backswinging – Keep it compact. Big swings lead to big mistakes, and big mistakes lead to lost points.

Now, grab your paddle and get out there. It’s time to volley like a pro! Want to learn more about pickleball rules? Check out the rules of pickleball here. If you’re looking for local games, we have created a guide to help you find pickleball courts near you. And of course, if you’re looking for the best gear, we know where you can find it—Check out our buying guide!

At JustPaddles, we live and breathe pickleball. Whether you have questions or need a paddle recommendation, our Paddle Experts are ready to assist via phone at 866-382-3465, email at experts@justpaddles.com, or live chat. From Click to Court, we’ve got you covered!