Attacking the net and unleashing a top-draw volley could tip any match in your favor.

You're serving for match point against a tough opponent.  The first serve lands in perfectly, and your opposition is off-balance from the get-go; all of your forehands clip the line, and with every shot that passes you feel your opponent wilting.  You're ready to end this rally and celebrate a hard-fought win - so you attack the net after your opponent flails an easy save shot right at you, and...

... your volley is buried right into the net.

I've lived through this type of scenario more often than not, as I'm sure many of you have as well.  Although many proclaim the volley as the simplest shot in tennis, it tends to be more of a hinder for its players, preventing them from feeling confident at the net.  So let's face this confounding shot head-on - here's how to get a handle on your volley shot:

1. The right time to approach the net: You want to attack your opponent with an "approach shot," one that is more placement than pace, to get your opponent running or off-balance before you make your move to the net.  For your approach shot, you need to recognize when your opponent has overcommitted to a side of the court - then place your shot to the opposite side.  Remember - this shot is about placement, not blasting home a winner (though if you deem a power winner to be possible, then go for it).  Position yourself to move towards the net following the approach shot.

2. When you get to the net... stay centered and focused.  Forget about how nice your approach shot was or how well you've played to this point, and be prepared for your opponent's response.  Give yourself a 5-foot cushion from the net, have your racket in front of you ready for the volley, and keep your feet about shoulder's width apart.

3. Avoid the temptation to swing: This is where most volleying errors occur.  The tendancy for any player is to attack the ball with an actual swing on the volley - but this usually ends with poor results.  A swing on your volley can lead to errant shots that travel beyond your opponents baseline, or a bad wrist angle that can lead to the situation described above (the ball in the net).  Instead, when you emply a volley, you want to block the ball.  See your opponent's shot to your racket and simply block it.  By keeping the volley simple, you will cut back on unforced errors and find yourself hitting more winners at the net.