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It may sound obvious but the volley is the earliest shot you'll have to play. When you hit a drive you have more time to get in position to play it as you'll let the ball bounce. Therefore by looking for the early ball you will buy yourself a valuable split second which will help you play a better quality shot.

When the volley is there to hit then the shot should be easier to play as you have saved yourself  decision time and also be physically anticipating it. If the volley is not on then most times you should have the time to drop back and take the ball after the bounce.


When you are in a routine mentality going for shots off the bounce, to readjust and take a ball on the volley is difficult. The ball is there to hit earlier so generally you will not be ready and you will let the opportunity pass! When you do take the shot on, by being slightly later onto the ball and possibly approaching the ball at an awkward angle it will affect your shot quality and consistency.

Taking the ball early is a state of mind... if you look for the early ball you are more likely to take it when it is there. It is not a commitment as you can make the decision to let the ball bounce and still have time to get into position. It is just more difficult to do it the other way round!