A strong approach shot does more than move you toward the net. It puts your opponent under pressure while giving you time to arrive in balance and cover the next ball. The best tennis approach shot technique combines smart shot selection, forward movement, controlled placement, and a ready position at the net.
You do not need to hit the ball as hard as possible. A deep shot to a corner or a well-placed slice through the middle can be more effective than a risky attempt at a winner. Here’s how to choose and execute an approach shot you can trust.
When to Hit an Approach Shot
Look for a ball that lets you move forward without giving up too much control. A short ball is the clearest invitation, especially if it sits high enough to attack. You can also approach behind a deep shot that forces your opponent to hit on the run or reach for the ball.
Before committing, ask yourself three questions:
- Can I make contact in balance? If you are sprinting or stretched wide, focus on recovering rather than forcing a net attack.
- Can I hit deep or make my opponent move? A weak approach gives your opponent time to pass or lob you.
- Can I reach the net before the reply? If the ball is too far away or your approach is likely to be slow, staying back may be safer.
Think of the approach as the start of a sequence, not a single shot. You are trying to create a difficult reply, get into a useful position, and finish with a volley or overhead if the chance comes.
How to Hit a Tennis Approach Shot
1. Move forward under control
As you recognize the short ball, move toward it with quick, small adjustment steps. Avoid charging straight in before you know where you will make contact. If you arrive too early, you may have to wait awkwardly; arrive too late and you will hit while off balance.
For a forehand approach, turn your shoulders early and set the racquet while moving. For a backhand, prepare in the same way you would for a regular groundstroke. The key difference is your intention: make a controlled attacking shot, then continue forward.
2. Make contact in front
Whenever the ball allows it, contact the ball slightly in front of your body. This helps you direct it and move through the shot rather than leaning back. Bend your knees on a low ball, keep your head steady through contact, and avoid reaching with a straight arm if you can take another step into position.
Keep the swing compact, particularly when you are close to the net. A large backswing can cost time and make it harder to recover if your opponent gets the ball back. You want enough racquet speed for depth and control—not a full-power swing at every opportunity.
3. Choose a reliable target
Depth is often more valuable than raw pace. Aim deep enough to push your opponent back or make them hit while moving. When approaching from the center, a shot toward a corner can pull your opponent away from a comfortable passing angle. If you are stretched or unsure, a deep shot through the middle can reduce the angles available to your opponent.
Against a player who likes to pass down the line, approaching crosscourt may leave that line open. Against a player who hits strong crosscourt passes, going behind them or directing the approach down the line may be the better choice. Read your opponent’s position rather than choosing a target automatically.
4. Use topspin or slice for the right reason
A topspin approach is useful when the ball is high or you have time to swing through it. The spin helps the ball dip into the court, and a deep, heavy shot can push your opponent back. Do not brush so much that the ball lands short and sits up.
A slice approach can be effective on a low ball or when you want the ball to stay low after the bounce. Keep the racquet face controlled and avoid chopping down too sharply; a floating slice gives your opponent an easy passing shot. Both spins can work—the best choice is the one that lets you hit deep and arrive balanced.
5. Keep moving, then split step
After contact, continue toward the net along a sensible path. Do not sprint blindly to the service line or straight to the middle. Your approach direction and your opponent’s likely reply should shape where you stop. As your opponent strikes the ball, make a small split step so you can react forward, sideways, or back.
Many players make the approach shot well and lose the point because they keep running after the opponent has hit. Once you reach a useful position, slow down and get ready. If your approach forces a defensive reply, move forward to take the volley early. If it leaves your opponent balanced, stay prepared to cover a passing shot or lob.
Common Approach Shot Mistakes
- Going for a winner too soon: Aiming too close to the lines increases errors. Choose a safe target and make the next shot your chance to finish.
- Approaching from too far behind the baseline: A deep ball can be attacking, but rushing forward after a neutral shot often leaves you exposed.
- Hitting short: A slow, short approach gives your opponent time to step in and pass. Prioritize depth and placement.
- Running in without a split step: You may be caught moving in the wrong direction when the reply comes.
- Using the same target every time: Opponents can anticipate a predictable approach. Mix your direction based on their court position and passing strengths.
Drills to Improve Your Approach
Short-ball approach and volley
Have a partner feed short balls to either side. Move in, hit a controlled approach deep toward a target, continue forward, and split step as your partner sends back a volley-height ball. Focus on balance and a clean transition, not speed. Do 8 to 10 balls on each side, then switch roles.
Approach with a passing-shot reply
Start from the baseline and rally until one player hits a short ball. The receiver must approach, while the other player tries to pass or lob. This drill teaches you to recognize the right moment and respond to a real opponent rather than a predictable feed.
Target practice under control
Place targets deep in the corners and in the middle of the court. Hit approach shots from a short feed and score one point for depth, one for a good recovery, and one for winning the next ball. This rewards the whole pattern instead of treating the approach as a winner attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I approach down the line or crosscourt?
It depends on your position and your opponent. A down-the-line approach can be useful when you are already on that side or can take the ball early. Crosscourt may pull your opponent wider, but it can also leave a passing angle. Choose the direction that gives you the best balance of placement and court coverage.
Is a slice approach better than a topspin approach?
Neither is always better. Slice can keep a low ball below your opponent’s preferred contact point, while topspin can provide depth and a safer dip over the net. Use the spin that fits the height of the ball and allows you to approach in control.
Where should I stand after hitting the approach?
Move forward to a position where you can cover likely replies, then split step as your opponent makes contact. The right spot changes with your approach direction, the opponent’s position, and the quality of your shot. Avoid running so close that a lob becomes easy.
Can I approach behind a serve or return?
Yes, if your serve or return puts the opponent under pressure and you can move forward safely. A serve-and-volley player often uses this pattern, but any player can come in behind a deep, well-placed shot. Be ready for a low first volley if your approach does not force a weak reply.
Final Thoughts
Reliable tennis approach shot technique is built on patience and positioning. Recognize the right ball, move into balance, hit deep to a sensible target, and keep moving only until you can set for the next shot. Practice the approach and the transition together, and you’ll reach the net with a plan—not just hope for a winner.
