Approach Ball

Through my experience in teaching and playing the game, I have found the quickest way to improve one's game is by working the transition from baseline to net. The approach ball drill is a simple drill that will help you accomplish this without too much pain.

Player A and Player B start at the baseline on opposite sides of the court. Player A feeds a ball to player B. Player B then returns a mid-court ball back to player A. Player A approaches down the line with the mid-court ball and comes in behind it. Player A may hit deep, short, angled, topspin, or slice, but he may not hit a winner with the mid-court ball.

Pattern 2 -Crosscourt Pass

Practice each of the following patterns eight times. As you will see, this drill is also good practice for the passing shot.

Pattern 1

Player A approaches down the line and Player B tries to pass back down the line. Player A volleys sharply to the open cross-court and plays out the point. Keep in mind, when volleying cross court think short, sharp angled volleys rather than deep hard ones.

Pattern 2

This time, Player B hits Player A's approach shot cross court. Player A volleys down the line either deep or soft and short. The idea behind the soft, short volley (almost a drop volley) is to keep the ball out of Player B’s strike zone.

Pattern 3

Player B passes any where he chooses (don’t forget the lob). Player A can volley anywhere he wants to play out the point. 

Play each of the three patterns to eight points. Sudden death at seven all.

As you get more adept and gain confidence, vary the pattern. For instance, try approaching cross court then play an angled drop volley or after the approach, have Player B hit a lob. 

Remember, the more you work on your transition game the quicker you will improve your all court play. And, at the pro level, it's the all court players who are usually hovering around the top spot in the rankings.

Last Updated 9/1/98. To contact us, please email to: webmaster@tennisone.com

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