Recognizing cues from an opponent that indicate an opening has been created is a learned behavior. This is called an anticipatory skill. The success of the player's advancement can often be determined by how quickly the player spots a wounded opponent and transitions to the net, thereby limiting the opponent's recovery time and ability to regain equal footing in the rally.
Preparation
After the player advances forward, there is a brief moment when the player gathers himself with a split step—a little hop onto the balls of the feet performed right around the time that the opponent is about to start the backswing. The split step puts a player into the ready position and allows him to spring in any direction with equal ease to better intercept the passing shot or cover the lob. Advanced players will sometimes recognize a completely vulnerable opponent and wisely skip the approach shot and split step. In this situation, the player charges straight to the net and steals a volley.
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If the player does need to perform a split step, he is now ready to spot the intended location of the incoming ball. Once this occurs, the preparation part of the swing begins. This is the synchronization of the upper-body coil—or shoulder turn—with the desired placement of the backswing for the optimal strike zone.
Ideally, the length of the backswing is the distance the racquet travels while the player is turning the shoulders; the racquet face should be lined up at the level of the incoming ball. This is true on both the forehand and backhand volleys. On the backhand volley, added assistance is provided by the non-dominant hand on the racquet's throat, which can help position the racquet.
However, the backswing and strike zone can be modified depending on the quality and location of the opponent's shot.