A common flaw in many club players' backhand volleys is their tendency to chop down on the ball, allowing the racquet head to drop below wrist level. Usually, the result is a volley hit off-balance with so little pace and control that it catches the net. To hit a more effective backhand volley, keep your wrist firm and, instead of chopping down on the ball, flatten out your volleying motion. Think of yourself as a baseball umpire giving a "safe" signal when you hit the ball. As you punch forward on your volley, your free arm should extend away from your body simultaneously in the opposite direction to help you maintain your balance and keep your volleying motion crisp and compact. By hitting "safe" and sure backhands volleys, you'll find yourself scoring more often at the net.