A serve-and-volleyer can make a return feel rushed: the serve pulls you wide, the first volley arrives before you have recovered, and the net seems to close off every option. But the attacker has a problem too. While moving forward, they have to reach the ball, control their momentum and get the racket below it. A low, well-directed passing shot makes all three jobs harder.
The aim is not simply to hit the ball as hard as possible. It is to send it low enough that the opponent has to volley up, then use the next shot—or the angle of the pass—to finish the point. Good passing starts with reading the approach and choosing a target you can reach under pressure.
Why low passes work
A player charging the net wants to make contact around net height or higher. From there, they can punch the volley down into open court. If your shot arrives at their ankles, they must bend, lower the racket head and lift the ball over the net. That usually produces a slower, more predictable reply—and may leave the court open for your next shot.
Height matters, but so does placement. A low ball directly at the opponent can be awkward because they have little room to maneuver the racket. A low ball toward a sideline can force them to stretch and volley while moving. The best choice depends on where they are, how quickly they are closing and how balanced you are when you make contact.
Think of the first pass as a way to create a difficult volley, not always as a winner. Even an opponent who reaches it may be unable to do more than block it back. Be ready to take that short reply early.
Read the approach before choosing the shot
Watch the server’s movement after contact. A serve-and-volleyer who lands and drives forward quickly may reach the service line before your return lands. A player who serves wide and has to cross a long distance may be slower to cover the opposite side. Their first step can also reveal their plan: if they lean toward the middle, the sideline may be open; if they charge diagonally behind a wide serve, the space down the line may be vulnerable.
Make your decision from the ball’s height and your own balance. On a low or wide return, forcing a sharp pass may be risky. A firm shot at the feet is often a better percentage play. If the serve sits up and you can take it in front of your body, you have more options to change direction.
Also note where the opponent makes their first volley. If they are still several steps from the net, a dipping shot can make them volley from farther away. If they are already close, a low ball at the body or toward a sideline may be more useful than trying to hit through them.
Choose a target: feet, middle or angle
Aim at the feet when the opponent is closing
The simplest reliable target is the opponent’s feet. Hit through the middle of the court or slightly to one side, with enough net clearance to avoid clipping the tape. A ball landing near the service line and dipping sharply can be more troublesome than a harder shot that reaches the volleyer at waist height.
When you are stretched, prioritize depth and a low trajectory over a fine target. Aiming for an opponent’s shoes from a difficult position can turn a useful defensive shot into an error. Send the ball low through the largest safe window, then recover for the next exchange.
Use the middle to remove angles
A pass through the middle can be a smart choice when the opponent is near the center of the net or when you are unsure which side they will cover. It limits their ability to use a sharp crosscourt volley and gives you a clearer recovery position. The middle also reduces the risk of missing wide—especially useful when you are under pressure from a strong first serve.
Do not confuse “middle” with “safe but harmless.” The shot still needs to stay low and make the volleyer bend. A high ball down the center can be an easy put-away.
Go for the low angle when the court is open
If the attacker is leaning toward the middle or has overcommitted behind a wide serve, a short crosscourt pass can pull them away from the ball. The angle is especially effective when you can meet the shot early and use the opponent’s pace. But it asks for more precision and can leave you exposed if the ball floats.
Use the down-the-line pass when the opponent has left that lane open or is moving across the court. It can be difficult to recover from, but it is a narrower target and the ball travels over the higher part of the net. If you are late or off balance, choose the larger target instead.
Shape the ball low without overhitting
For a topspin pass, brush up the back of the ball while driving it forward. The spin helps the shot dip after clearing the net, so you can hit firmly without sending it long. Keep the swing compact when the ball arrives quickly; a large backswing costs time and makes it harder to control the face of the racket.
A slice can also keep the ball low, particularly when you are stretched or contacting the ball below waist height. It is useful for a skidding pass that stays close to the court, but a floating slice gives the opponent time to set up. Keep the racket moving through the ball and aim for a landing spot that makes the volleyer reach.
On a low ball, avoid trying to lift a steep, dramatic topspin shot unless you have enough space and balance. A controlled trajectory just above the net is often more effective. Your margin should come from choosing a sensible target and using spin—not from sending the ball high.
Make the first pass part of a two-shot plan
After you pass, recover toward the likely reply rather than admiring the shot. A volleyer who has to lift a ball from their feet will often block it toward the middle or steer it back to the side you just used. Move forward if your pass forces a weak, short volley; stay balanced if the opponent can still angle the ball away.
One useful pattern is a low pass at the feet followed by a controlled volley or groundstroke into the open court. Another is to show the opponent a crosscourt target, then redirect down the line on a later pass. Varying the direction matters: if every shot goes to the same side, an experienced attacker can anticipate and close that lane.
Against a player who volleys well from below the net, make the next shot count by changing direction or using a sharper angle. Against a player who struggles with low contact, repeat the feet target until they prove they can handle it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to hit a winner from every return: A low pass that earns a weak volley is already doing its job.
- Choosing the sideline while stretched: Use a bigger target when your balance or contact point is poor.
- Hitting too high: A ball that clears the opponent comfortably can become an easy put-away, even if it lands in.
- Changing direction too early: Redirect only when you can contact the ball in front and control the racket face.
- Stopping after the pass: Expect the opponent to touch the ball. Be ready to attack the reply or defend the next volley.
Practice the shot under pressure
Ask a partner to serve and follow the ball to the net. Start with predictable serves and aim for low passes through the middle, focusing on compact preparation and recovery. Then have the server vary the direction and speed so you must read the approach rather than guess.
A useful progression is to score the pass and the next shot together. Award a point for a pass that forces a volley below net height, and another if you handle the reply successfully. This rewards the real objective—making the attacker play a difficult first volley and being ready for what follows—instead of encouraging wild winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pass crosscourt or down the line?
Choose the lane the opponent has left open. Crosscourt offers a larger net window and can create a sharp angle; down the line is effective when the attacker is moving across, but it is a narrower target. If you are rushed, a low shot at the feet or through the middle is usually safer.
Is a slice or topspin better for a low passing shot?
Both can work. Topspin gives the ball dip and lets you hit with more forward pace. Slice can skid low, especially when you are stretched, but it must not float. Use the spin that fits your contact point and the time you have.
Where should I aim if the volleyer is already close to the net?
Target the feet or body, or pass into the open side if you can see a clear lane. At close range, there is less time to react, but the attacker may be able to cut off a predictable shot. Keep the ball low and be ready for a deflection.
Do I need to hit a winner to beat a serve-and-volleyer?
No. A low pass that forces the opponent to lift the ball can set up an easy next shot. Focus first on making the volley difficult, then move into position to finish the point.
Final Thoughts
To exploit a serve-and-volleyer’s position, make them volley from below the net. Read their approach, choose a target that matches your balance, and use a compact swing to keep the ball low. Aim at the feet when in doubt, take the open angle when it is there, and treat the next shot as part of the plan. The pass does not have to be spectacular; it has to make the attacker’s first volley uncomfortable.
