Approach Shot
Also known as: approach, attacking shot
An approach shot is struck off a short ball as the player moves toward the net, designed to put the opponent under pressure. At the same time, allowing time to close into a volley position.
The approach shot bridges the baseline and net phases of a point. When an opponent's shot lands short. This means inside the service box or near the service line. This means the player can move forward, strike aggressively, and follow the shot to the net. A good approach is typically played down the line to give the net-rusher the shortest closing path and leave the opponent passing on the tougher line. Depth and pace are more important than angle; keeping the ball low and fast forces the opponent to dig a difficult passing shot. Approach shots can be hit flat, with topspin, or as slice — slice stays low and gives the attacking player extra time to close. The decision to approach is based on ball height, depth, pace, and the server's position.
The slice approach shot deserves particular attention as a tactical tool. Because a slice stays low after the bounce, the opponent must contact a rising ball at or below net level. This means producing a low-percentage passing angle and almost always resulting in a ball that floats upward. This gives the net player an easy put-away volley. The extra time the slice's slower pace provides also allows the approaching player to close further before the opponent can reply. On faster surfaces where topspin approaches bounce through comfortably, a slice adds variety and causes bounce-height disruption.
The most common approach-shot error among recreational players is treating the short ball as an invitation to go for a winner from an awkward mid-court position. An approach shot is not a finishing shot — it is a setup shot that forces the opponent into a difficult low-percentage position. Keeping the ball deep and on the opponent's weaker wing. At the same time, moving forward is more effective than swinging for a hard angle that lands short or misses wide, eliminating the net approach entirely.
Think "depth first" on approach shots. This means a ball landing near the baseline keeps the opponent back and gives you time to close the net, even if it lacks pace.
Use a slice approach shot to keep the ball skidding low after the bounce. This forces the opponent to hit upward from a low contact point when attempting a passing shot.
Example
Receiving a mid-court slice that bounces low, the player steps in, drives a flat forehand deep to the backhand corner, and closes to the net behind the shot.
Why it matters
A weak approach shot gives opponents an easy passing angle. SwingVantage links your contact point and follow-through to approach depth, helping you finish points instead of setting up easy passes.
How it shows up on video
SwingVantage looks for forward momentum maintained through contact (weight moving toward the net) and a ball trajectory that stays low and deep. Errors appear as the player stopping their feet before contact. This produces a floaty high shot, or swinging upward excessively on a ball that should be hit flat or with underspin.
Common mistakes
- Stopping the feet before striking the approach shot, which kills forward momentum and reduces depth
- Hitting too high over the net, giving the opponent time to set up a comfortable passing shot
- Going for a sharp crosscourt angle instead of down the line, opening the court for the easiest possible pass
- Swinging with too much topspin on an approach shot, causing the ball to sit up at a comfortable height for the passer
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
SwingVantage tracks whether the player's body is moving forward through contact on approach shots and measures ball depth to assess whether the shot is genuinely pressuring the opponent or setting up an easy pass.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go down the line or crosscourt on my approach shot?
Down the line is the classic choice. This means it gives you the shortest closing path to the net and leaves the opponent with the most difficult passing angle. Crosscourt approaches work when the opponent is clearly on the wrong side.
Related terms
- Down-the-Line ShotA down-the-line shot travels parallel to the nearest sideline, changing the direction of a crosscourt rally to create a sharper angle or exploit an open court.
- Approach to NetApproaching the net is the tactical decision to move forward from the baseline toward the net after an approach shot or serve, aiming to put away the point with a volley or overhead.
- Volley TechniqueVolley technique refers to the mechanics of striking the ball before it bounces, using a short, firm punch action rather than a full groundstroke swing.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a shot hit with backspin by swinging high-to-low through the ball, producing a low, skidding bounce. (This differs from a golf slice, which is a curving mishit.)
- Shot SelectionShot selection is the real-time tactical decision of which shot type, direction, pace, and spin to use on each ball, based on court position, ball height, opponent location, and score situation.
- Court PositioningCourt positioning is where a player stands between shots, continuously adjusted to maximize coverage of the opponent's most likely replies while minimizing defensive vulnerability.
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