1. Purposeful Approach Shot
Your goal with an approach shot in tennis is not to score, but to afford yourself enough time to approach the net for a second shot and the winning point. On this shot, placement and pace are more important than power. If you slam the approach shot directly at your opponent, you won't have time to approach the net. Most tennis shots can be modified to serve as an approach shot.
2. Spin Zone
You should use top spin when you hit an approach shot since it's easy to impart that spin when you're moving. A shot with top spin will drive your opponent deeper, allowing you more time for the approach. This deep drive can also force your opponent to hit the return shot off the back foot. This prevents him from exerting much force behind the return. To impart top spin, start the racquet below the ball with the strings facing towards the court. Swing the racquet from low to high and through the tennis ball. Some players use under spin, but if the shot is short, you can get caught in between the baseline and net, no-man's land in tennis.
3. Mind Your Footwork
When you approach the net, your footwork is as important as the shot. Don't cross your feet as you approach the net. Instead, use a split-step movement or shuffle to reach your destination. Using a split-step allows you to keep your balance centered in anticipation of the return shot. If your feet are crossed, your weight distribution will be off-balance.
4. Slice Approach
The slice approach shot uses a high to low movement with the tennis racquet to get backspin on the approach shot. The more high to low movement you impart with the shot, the lower the tennis ball bounces to your opponent. You can employ either a forehand or a backhand motion for this approach shot.
5. Drive Approach
Use a drive shot to place your approach shot deep into the corners. This incorporates a normal groundstroke with a shorter backswing if you are already moving towards the net. The objective of the drive shot is to force the opponent into disadvantageous positions on the court.
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