I usually underweight working on volleys and the net game in young kids.
However, with very talented kids, it’s easier to justify working more net game and all court at a young age.
If they have the instincts to go there, it’s hard for me to justify telling a young kid with a penchant for net to stop going there completely.
I would tell them to go there selectively and be smart about it.
It’s a balance. But don’t be too balanced, especially with the less gifted.
The less talent a kid has, the more the focus should be on getting solid from the ground and serving and returning well. The volley is not going to make or break that kid’s game.
I remember Ty Switzer when he was 8,9, 10, 11. One of the most talented kids I ever coached. Still think he has a chance to be a good pro.
He was all over the net at those ages. He could do it all, and I didn’t have to hold him back.
But I did stress to him the importance of a solid backcourt game and going to net cautiously. And I got him setup in Spain when he was older to develop his patience and solid backcourt play.
–Chris Lewit