Mission Transition: how to bring your game from baseline to net

To some players, the net presents a necessary evil. It’s a place to venture only when compelled or to shake hands after a match.

But even if baseline tactics are your forte, the ability to conduct business in the forecourt makes you a more polished and formidable player. The farther you move inside the court, the greater the range of angles and options available to create offense. And a positive journey to the net starts with an intelligent approach shot. This first part of a three-part series examines how to identify the opportunity ball that will lead to a crafty approach—and ultimately a winning outcome.

Go Zone

When it comes to the approach shot, indecision is a killer. To erase hesitation, players should establish a predetermined short-ball region—the “go zone”—of the court that is a green light to move forward. An area up to a few feet behind the service line is usually a good marker. That way, when you move in to hit the approach, you’re already inside the court and closer to the net. The depth of this zone can vary depending on factors such as foot speed, aggression and net proficiency. Whether it’s by intent—drop shot, short angle—or faulty execution, when an opponent’s ball lands in this space, that’s an invitation to hit an approach and go on the attack.

Read the Room

Some shots don’t start out with the purpose of being approaches, but can become them with the help of anticipatory skills. Certain cues from your opponent—such as rushed technique, compromised balance and shot tendencies from similar positions—can reveal vulnerability. This is an opportunity to be proactive. For instance, an opponent’s late arrival to return a big forehand can force a defensive reply—a stretched slice or high mid-court ball. Recognizing the signals that a weaker, floating shot is coming can prompt a spontaneous advancement inside the court to take advantage of the situation with a standard or swinging volley.

First and Foremost

The serve was the OG of approach shots. The tactic has faded in prominence, but following a serve to net is still worthwhile, especially when it catches an opponent off guard. Since it’s being utilized as part of a combination, finding an opponent’s weaker return side often yields better first volley prospects than simply firing away. Similarly, the first ball when returning serve can often present the best opening to storm the net.