A New Approach to the Approach Shot

It’s a welcome sight to see so many top players rediscovering the art of the approach shot. This renaissance is especially appreciated by many recreational players who enjoy a steady diet of this shot during their time on the court. Perhaps even more delighted to see this shot revived are the competitive senior players. They have been using this shot as their go-to response to any short ball for some time. Most of them see any short ball as an invitation to the net. However, at the top level of play, since the development of new heavy topspin and powerful groundstrokes, the approach shot had taken a hiatus. Even the best of volleyers at the professional level have been challenged, not just by the aggressive topspin used, but also by the speed and accuracy of the passing shots executed by top pros.  

It’s fair to say that if a ball is hit short, most top players can execute an efficient winner to end the point. If not a winner, at least a shot that will render their opponent into a very weak response. There is also that rare moment when a top player will hit a very effective low backspin shot that challenges a player to be able to get their racket well enough under the ball to execute an effective topspin groundstroke.  

However, the one shot that has significantly impacted the approach game is a shot I call the “Grip Jump” (I coined this name in an article back in 2018 after watching Roger Federer incorporate it into his arsenal years earlier). He was known for being able to hammer any short ball with his forehand for a winner. He soon learned that if he could, at the last moment of preparing, baton his racket as he took it back, using the momentum of this move to obtain a continental grip, he was able to softly slice a quality drop shot for an unexpected winner.  

What makes this new shot so special is that it only requires dexterity and feel, which means that most players who have reached a reasonable level of play will have the skills to pull this off. It is one of the few new shots on the tour that not only draws attention and praise, but can also be passed on down to most of the tennis community

 This new style of hitting a drop shot is an added weapon for the approaching player that can open the door to creating new tactics and strategies. Anytime a net rusher can keep the baseline player a little off balance, that will invite new opportunities that may not have been there in the past. As an example, the short ball can make lobbing more difficult. It also forces the passing shot to be elevated, making it easier for the volleyer to cover and attack. It’s always interesting to see how one new type of shot can impact anyone's game.

All of this comes with a reminder of the importance of always constructing tactics and strategies catered to address any particular opponent. The more frequently a player visits the net, the more there is an opportunity to learn from trial and error. It’s a simple construct; players can’t become good at net or master their volleys unless they get to the net more often.

In this process, one tactic tends to become more apparent. The attacking player has a choice of either attacking a player’s weakness or their predictability. This, too, will vary, but many players who take net are finding that creating an approach shot that results in a more predictable response can be more beneficial, especially on a big point. On the flip side, a weakness, by nature, will vary and also yield that nasty lob. Although predictable shots are much easier to prepare for, they do require an investigative mind of the attacking player to recognize their opponent's tendency to lean into their favorite shots when under pressure. As difficult as this may sound, it is, after all, what makes the game more enjoyable and helps begin that learning curve about how best to compete when coming to the net.  

Time again to help these changes through three playing drills.

Game 1: First In Wins

This game uses only half of the singles court and is played down the line. Both players start at the baseline, and either player can put the ball in play to start the point. The object of the game is to get to the net, but you can only come in on a ball that has been hit by your opponent and lands short, which can be defined as any ball that lands in the service squares or provides either player an obvious opportunity to move forward. Both players start with five points. If you make an error during the rally, you lose a point. Miss an approach shot, and you lose a point. Once at the net, you cannot lose a point, and you have the entire singles court to play. The player still at the baseline must continue to use only the original half of the court where the point began. The first player to reach ten wins, or the first player to reach zero losses. 

Game 2: Crosscourt Only

Both players alternate serving five points, with the first player to score eleven points winning. To execute this game, the server cannot serve and volley, and the returnee cannot come in behind the serve return. Both players are looking for an opportunity to come to the net. The player at the baseline can only hit cross-court passing shots. A down-the-line passing shot or a lob will result in the loss of the point for the baseline player. This game helps the attacker not only know where the passing shot is going, but also learn to read which shots players prefer to hit crosscourt. The game can be altered so that only down-the-line passing shots are allowed.

Game 3: Become Approachable

Play regular games with regular scoring. Only one rule is added to the normal game of tennis. Any player who can hit an approach shot and then a winner on the very first volley wins that game instantly. With such an obvious incentive, even the most reluctant net player will come to the net. Be careful not to rush in out of control; instead, develop the point to create proper opportunities to execute an approach shot.