Ensure a Solid Approach Shot
by Chris Pressley, Head Tennis Professional

 In last month’s tip, we discussed how to create proper topspin on your shots. After one has executed a proper deep topspin shot, the opponent is pushed back, and forced to hit off of their back leg. This in turn generally creates an approaching opportunity where the reply from the opponent is shorter and softer. This month we are going to focus on how to address this opportunity to ensure a solid approach shot taking one then into net position.

Before addressing the necessary steps to ensure a successful approach, we need to discuss the correct mentality needed to execute this shot. Many times a player gets “paralysis by analysis” when faced with the floating short approach. There is so much time to do extra thinking and this is usually the first step to poor execution. The solution: lock in your first idea and go with it! This means taking the first decision you make as to where you want the ball to go and sticking with it. Do not change your mind…this only promotes indecision.

When executing the approach, a contact point somewhere between chest and shoulders is ideal.  This is an ideal point of contact because the ball is already above the first obstacle in tennis (the net) but is still in a player’s strike zone. This contact point will allow a player to drive the approach in an aggressive manner.  When driving the approach, think about clearing/pushing books off of a chest to shoulder high bookshelf. Also, to maintain a lengthy swing, imagine that your bookshelf is a long one. “Clearing the shelf” will ensure good ball contact time on the strings and a more desirable flat contact behind the ball.

“Clear the shelf” on a high approach for a strong transition to the net!