Serena Williams Photos: Picture Gallery of Strokes

In this photo, as Serena stretches for a backhand volley, she has stepped across her body, which maximizes her reach and turns her sideways, where her racquet alignment is easier. She is using a Continental grip, the most common volleying grip among the pros. A Continental grip is particularly well suited to slicing a volley, and the position of Serena's racquet above the ball indicates that she is about to slice it, as is almost necessary, given the ball's position below the top of the net. Even though Serena isn't exceptionally tall, her quickness, long stride, and ability to reach with good control enable her to cover the net as well as almost anyone.