How can you improve your approach shot in tennis?

Answer

There are several drills you can practice to improve your approach shot. It is important to improve your consistency. It can be tempting to try to always hit your approach shot with pace, but it doesn't matter how hard you hit the ball if you can't get it in the court!

Here are two drills you can try to help you improve your approach shot. You will need a partner or work with a tennis instructor on these drills.

An effective approach shot is one with a sharp angle. Start at the middle of the service line in the deuce box. Your hitting partner will hit you a short shot that should land half way between the service line and the net so you hit a forehand. Hit a forehand cross court approach shot with topspin. The goal is to have your ball drop in the far corner of the deuce side service box. Go back to your starting position and repeat the shot. It is recommended to do this shot 10-15 times in a row so you can work on endurance and consistency. Then go on to backhand angle approach shot with topspin and repeat the drill.

An effective approach shot not only has an angle, but is hit with finesse and "touch". Try "mini tennis". This next activity used to work on touch and consistency. Weave this into your warm up during a match as well. Start at the service line with a partner directly across the net. Begin a rally and try to keep the ball within the service boxes. Count the number of shots you can hit in one rally. See if you can reach 50 consecutive shots without messing up. Use topspin when you are playing mini tennis.

Both of these activities should help improve your approach shot.

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First answer by JillianG. Last edit by JillianG. Contributor trust: 303 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 76 [recommend question]