Learning to Hit Approach Shots

By Tennis Whisperer

Approach shots are frequently misunderstood as attacking swings.

In reality, they are positioning shots.

An effective approach does not need to be a winner. Its purpose is to compress the opponent’s time, reduce passing angles, and allow you to transition forward without surrendering control of the ghost line.

Learning to hit approach shots is about structure, height discipline, and court geometry.

Understand the Purpose

The approach shot is played to:

Move from baseline neutrality into forward pressure
Force a defensive reply
Reduce the opponent’s passing options
Establish advantageous net position

It is not simply a short-ball attack. It is a calculated transition.

A poorly selected approach often results in being passed or forced into a low half volley under pressure.

Recognize the Correct Ball

High-percentage approach opportunities occur when:

The opponent is stretched wide
The incoming ball is short and sits above net height
The opponent is recovering or off balance

Low-percentage approaches occur when:

You are off balance
The ball is below net height
The opponent is set and inside the baseline

Selection governs success more than power.

Maintain Baseline Discipline Before Advancing

Approach shots should originate from controlled court position.

If you are already several meters behind the ghost line, rushing forward often results in covering too much ground and arriving unstable.

Before advancing:

Stabilize near your Ghost Line
Establish balance
Commit forward decisively

Forward movement must be intentional, not reactive.

Posture and Contact

The approach shot requires forward momentum without overextension.

Key technical priorities:

Contact slightly in front of the body
Stable head position
Controlled weight transfer forward
Balanced base before acceleration

Leaning excessively forward or lunging reduces directional control and recovery speed.

The objective is structured penetration, not overhit aggression.

Control Height and Depth

Depth is the most important element of the approach shot.

Effective targets include:

Deep crosscourt to open the court
Firm down the line to reduce passing angle
Deep through the middle when neutral

Height must clear the net safely while landing deep enough to prevent an easy passing shot.

Approaches that land short invite counterattack.

Movement Through the Shot

Footwork determines whether the approach is effective.

Priorities include:

Early cross over step before contact
Driving through the ball
Continuing forward momentum
Transitioning into balanced net position

The approach does not end at contact. It connects directly to your first volley position.

Stopping after the shot leaves you exposed in mid-court.

Recovery to Net Position

After contact:

Continue forward
Establish split step before opponent’s reply
Close to a position that protects the highest-percentage passing lane

Approach discipline includes net positioning. Poor positioning negates a good approach.

Practical Awareness Drill

During baseline rallies:

Only approach when the ball lands inside the service line and sits above net height.
Track whether your approach lands deep enough to force a defensive reply.
After each approach, assess whether you arrived balanced at net.

This reinforces selection and structural movement.

When Not to Approach

There are moments when patience is superior:

When the opponent is balanced and prepared
When the ball is low and difficult
When you are stretched wide

Forcing forward movement from poor structure increases error and reduces net effectiveness.

Transition should be earned.

Wrap

Learning to hit approach shots requires:

Intelligent ball selection
Stable baseline positioning
Controlled forward weight transfer
Depth-focused targeting
Disciplined net recovery

An effective approach does not simply move you forward.

It moves the opponent backward while you hold structural advantage.

Approach shots are not about aggression alone. They are about advancing without surrendering control.