Photo Study of Venus Williams's Strokes

As Venus is about to hit a low volley, everything she's doing is classic--with one slight exception. She's stepping across her body with her front foot, watching the ball intently, keeping her left hand on the racquet throat, and starting the racquet above the ball so that she can apply the backspin that makes low volleys effective. The one unusual aspect of this volley is her grip, which is a tiny bit west of an Eastern forehand. One would normally hit a backhand volley either with a Continental or an Eastern backhand grip. Most players would pop the ball up too much using the grip Venus has here, but with sufficient softness and cut, it could also produce a beautiful drop volley, which, from Venus, would not be unusual.