As Requested

I had a request to comment on Andy Roddick's net play when playing Roger Federer. First I will say that I think it has little to do with Roger Federer and a lot to do with Andy Roddick. Ninety percent of the tour can make Roddick look a little silly at the net. The volley is with out a doubt the weakest part of Andy's game. To his credit he has improved enormously this year but he still is very vulnerable at the net. Players, Roger in particular are not afraid to grip it and rip it when Andy comes to the net. Generally Andy finds himself out of position at the net so it is easy for players to pass him. However, Andy's technique is so poor even when he works himself into the net perfectly he tends to muff a high number of volleys. Andy's game relies solely on power- there is nothing wrong with that- that is the game that works for him but power does not translate well with the volley. When at the net power is not needed. The volley is about placement touch and most importantly technique. When volleying there is no need to swing. I am sure you have seen the images of Andy's herky-jerky, half-swinging, wrist-snapping volley. That image should be your model for how not to hit your volley. When volleying your objective should be to take the pace out of the ball. The end result is to deaden the ball, just like a baseball player bunting a pitched ball. I think of the volley as a catch rather than a hit. Move forward with a continental grip and a firm wrist (snapping the wrist is a big no-no) clear your body from the ball and look to take the air out of it.