The 5 Tennis Approach Shot Mistakes You Might Be Making
The tennis approach shot is a stroke used to set up a winning volley. It is hit around the service line before you reach the net. Anyone who's played tennis knows that the approach shot is crucial. After all, it's the shot that sets up the point. But even the best players in the world can struggle with their approach shots from time to time. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common mistakes and offer some tips on how to correct them.
Mistake #1: Not Stepping Into The Shot
One of the most common mistakes players make with their approach shots is failing to step into the shot. When you don't step into the shot, you lose power and accuracy. Instead of just swinging your arm, use your whole body to generate power by turning your hips and shoulders into the shot. This will also help you keep your balance and hit the ball more accurately.
Mistake #2: Hitting Too Hard
Another mistake players make is hitting the ball too hard. It's important to remember that your approach shot need not necessarily be a winner; it's designed to get you into a position to win the point. Hitting the ball too hard often results in errors because it's difficult to control your shots when you swing that hard. Try to focus on placement over power and you'll find that your shots will be more more effective.
Mistake #3: Not Using Enough Topspin
If you want to keep your approach shots in the court, then you need to use topspin. Topspin gives the ball extra lift, which helps it clear the net and land deep in your opponent's court. To hit an approach shot with topspin, simply brush up on the ball as you make contact. This will help you get more topspin without losing control of your shot.
Mistake #4: Not Following Through
Many players stop their swing prematurely when hitting an approach shot, which causes them to lose power and control over their shot. Instead, make sure to follow through all the way until your racket is pointing at your target. This will help you generate more speed and spin on the ball.
Mistake #5: Not Taking Time To Set Up Properly
The final mistake we see players make is rushing their shots without taking time to set up properly. Remember that an effective approach shot takes time and precision; rushing will only result in errors. Before hitting your approach shot, take a moment to assess where your opponent is positioned and what type of shot will be most effective given their position. This extra bit of time will pay off in terms of accuracy and placement.
If you're struggling with your tennis approach shots, don't worry - you’re not alone! Many players have trouble with this part of their game. In this blog post, we looked at five of the most common mistakes players make with their approach shots and how to fix them. By avoiding these mistakes, you'll be well on your way to improving your game!
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.