The importance of service in doubles is more pronounced than in
singles as regards holding it; but the need for individual
brilliancy is not so great, as you have a partner already at the
net to kill off any weak returns.

Service is an attack, and a successful attack should never break
down.



CHAPTER IV. THE VOLLEY AND OVERHEAD SMASH

The net attack is the heavy artillery of tennis. It is supposed
to crush all defence. As such it must be regarded as a
point-winning stroke at all times, no matter whether the shot is
volley or smash.

Once at the net hit from the point at the first opportunity given
to get the racquet squarely on the ball. All the laws of footwork
explained for the drive are theoretically the same in volleying.
In practice you seldom have time to change your feet to a set
position, so you obviate trouble by throwing the weight on the
foot nearest to the ball and pushing it in the shot.

Volleys are of two classes: (1) the low volley, made from below
the waist; and (2) the high volley, from the waist to the head.
In contradistinction to the hitting plane classification are the
two styles known as (1) the deep volley and (2) the stop volley.

All low volleys are blocked. High volleys may be either blocked