Patology # 89
“In singles or in doubles, you must never try to hit a half-volley.”
William Pato Alvarez
A note from Chris:
“No half-volleys” is a common refrain from coaches all across Spain. The emphasis is on adjusting the body to receive the ball at a higher and more comfortable contact point to improve consistency. Spanish coaches generally believe short hopping the ball is too risky and breeds inconsistency.
This is in stark contrast to many systems from fast court dominated countries that emphasize on-the-rise play and short hopping the ball to take time away from the opponent.
Pato teaches at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona.