In tennis, what is a half-volley?

Question

What's the difference between a half-volley, and a regular volley?

Answer 1

a half-volley is hit right after the ball hits the ground. its more like a scoop up. a volley is directly out of the air, and its more like a punch

Answer 2

A half volley is hitting the ball right after it bounces. Technically it's not a volley, since you're not taking it out of the air, but many of the techniques involved are similar. Often a player at the net is forced into making half volleys by opponents who aim at their feet.

It is usually very difficult to hit aggressively because you have to hit the ball over the net from such a low contact point. It takes great skill to make good half volleys. Some pros who are exceptional at it are Sampras and McEnroe, to name a few.

Answer 3

A half volley is when you meet/hit the ball as soon as the ball bounces off the surface, usually while you are approaching the net.