daveamour - just think of these couple of tips for returning the service too:

• watch the ball off your opponent's racket
  
• as the ball approaches, turn the body side on
  
• with the shoulder to the target
• wrist firm
• reach up for the volley

You will get it.

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Hi guys

I played again today and tried your ideas.  I tried to volley as many of these as possible and when I did it worked out very well.  My percentage of volleys v complete messups was not so good but promising and something I can work on.

Daved

 

 

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The ultimate place to land the return of service (or any return for that matter),

• tight along the wall, and/or
• in a corner

Way to go

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Also a new player (and BWFC fan, Sam!). I've discovered it's a good idea to volley the serve back - but can anyone tell me where to volley it? Down your rail or diagonally back towards the server? Volleying seems to produce less control over direction and therefore more chance of  hitting a pudding down the middle.

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I find standing in this position the best place to be:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/SamBWFC/untitled123.jpg

 

With thanks to Microsoft Paint for allowing me to draw such an excellent diagram!

 

The first serve (1) allows you to easily move forward in a couple of steps to volley the ball before it hits the side wall.

 

The second serve (2) is when your opponent throws in a narrow serve. I always leave a bit of space behind me for these serves, because if you stand right next to the half line, the ball will travel right to your body so you can't get a good swing in. Hope this helps!

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daveamour - there is nothing stated in the rules to say where to stand and what to do with the service return. 
Personally I would not stand any further forward than the boundary of the service box, as that will invite the opponent to hit it over your head, even if it does not touch the wall.
By all means stand well clear of the wall, and watch the server closely, and you can move into any position once you have got a clue where the ball is heading, eg move forward, sideways, back.
Yes, try to take the service before it hits the wall.
Let us know how you go next time?

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Ok thanks guys I will try this out on Saturday when I am playing next.

On a technical point though am I right in assuming that if you volley a serve before it hits the wall, you must let it cross the line - or is it just that you need to be standing behind the line?

Cheers

 

 

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I try to volley as many returns as possible as it stops tricky situations at the back of the court (like the one you mentioned) and also puts you in a good position to take control in the rally.

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I was taught from an early age to volley these shots. Concentrate on the service, where your opponent is going to hit it, and if you can, volley - whether it be before the ball hits the side wall or after. It will catch your opponent off-guard, off the T and put you in an attacking position.

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daveamour - welcome to the forum.
Here is the link to the squashgame return of serve chapter.  Be sure to click on the "more" tabs as well. The diagrams and hints should help you with feet positioning and hopefully you will be able to volley these dreaded serves.
Let us know how you go after you put some of these tips into practice.
Enjoy!

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It will take lots of practice but you MUST step forward and take the ball on the full, either before it hits the wall or off the side wall, let it bounce to the back corner and you will continue to dig yourself a hole.

Good luck.

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