Watch any rally between the games very best practitioners and you’re sure to see the lob appear frequently - as both a defensive and attacking shot option.

Yet watching many amateurs competing in the weekly box leagues, you could be forgiven for thinking the volley is a shot reserved solely for the pros.

Engaged in such a battle of skill and guile, the backhand drive becomes an integral part of any player’s arsenal

The great Jonah Barrington once said that “the serve is the only time when you have complete control over your opponent.”