WEEK 9
ATTACKING
Approach Shot
THE FOREHAND APPROACH
To be most
effective with the
approach shot look
for the ball as
early as possible to
recognize if the
ball is going to be
short and then
move inside the
baseline to take
the ball as early in
the court as
possible
N
THE TWO HAND BACKHAND APPROACH
THE DOUBLES APPROACH
ATTACKING
Approach Shot
Drill Details
Type: Singles & Doubles
Time & Players: 15 min., 1 to 6 Players
Category: The Attacking Game – BFT Curriculum
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Singles Approach Shot
Drill Purpose & Goal
1.) Players learn to develop Reflex to focus on area of the ball to hit causing the ball to move in the direction
intended.
2.) Not getting distracted with the direction or opponent on other side of net.
3.) Learning to be aware of controlling eye and thought movement.
Drill Set Up
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED:
1.) Players start in Zone Three while Pro feeds ball from vertical feeds, same side of net or other
side of net.
2.) Players move into a position in Zone Two which will allow hitting the ball down the line.
3.) After hitting the ball Player continues toward the net into Zone One preparing for the volley,
positioning on the same side of the court the ball was hit about two feet from center of the court.
Tactics & Strategy
1.) Consistently reducing unforced errors and outlasting your opponent while at the same time
relentlessly adding pressure by attacking on opponents short shots.
2.) Hitting the ball down the line and 3’ above the net allows getting into the correct net position quicker for the
volley giving your opponent less time keeping them from counter attacking making the volley a winning
opportunity.
Doubles Illustrations:
Doubles Approach Shot
Drill Purpose & Goal
1.) Players learn to develop Reflex to focus on area of the ball to hit causing the ball to move in the direction
intended.
2.) Not getting distracted with the direction or opponent on other side of net.
3.) Learning to be aware of controlling eye and thought movement.
Drill Set Up
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED:
1.) Players start in Zone Three while Pro feeds ball from vertical feeds, same side of net or other side of net.
2.) Players move into a position in Zone Two which will allow hitting the ball down the line.
3.) After hitting the ball Player continues toward the net into Zone One preparing for the volley,
positioning on the same side of the court the ball was hit about two feet from center of the court.
Tactics & Strategy
1.) Consistently reducing unforced errors and outlasting your opponent while at the same time
relentlessly adding pressure by attacking on opponents short shots.
2.) Hitting the ball cross court and 3’ above the net allows getting into the correct net position for the volley
giving your opponent less time keeping them from counter attacking making the volley a winning opportunity.
APPROACH SHOT OPTIONS
When hitting the ball from
the center of the court you
have the option to hit to
either side of the court
When hitting the ball from the
from the outer edges of the court
hit the approach shot down the
line to the deep corner
TRANSITIONING THE APPROACH