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 while 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 — inside the service box or near the service line — the player can move forward, strike aggressively, and follow the shot to the net. A good approach is usually 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 — 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 while 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. 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. Motion Lab reads whether you move forward through contact, but it does not track depth, so check where your approaches land.
How it shows up on video
SwingVantage looks for forward momentum maintained through contact (weight moving toward the net). On video, check that the ball trajectory 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
Motion Lab tracks whether your body is moving forward through contact on approach shots. It does not track ball depth or the opponent. Check depth on your video or on court to see whether the shot pressures them or sets 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. 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. It changes a crosscourt rally's direction to create a sharper angle or exploit an open court.
- Approach to NetApproaching the net means moving forward from the baseline after an approach shot or serve. The aim is to put away the point with a volley or overhead.
- Volley TechniqueVolley technique is the mechanics of striking the ball before it bounces. It uses a short, firm punch action rather than a full groundstroke swing.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a backspin shot hit high-to-low through the ball, for a low, skidding bounce. A golf slice, by contrast, is a curving mishit.
- Shot SelectionShot selection is the real-time choice of shot type, direction, pace, and spin. It depends on court position, ball height, opponent location, and score.
- Court PositioningCourt positioning is where a player stands between shots. It changes after every ball to cover the opponent's likeliest replies and leave few openings.
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