The Lesson Lounge - Tennis Warrior

Your Link to Professional Thinking!

Is your approach shot in deep trouble?

Hitting an approach shot means to take a short ball, attempt to hit it deep, and come to the net. Whether in singles or doubles you must be aware of EXACTLY where your approach shot lands. Did it really land deep or was it short? Sounds easy enough, but you will be surprised how many players do not know whether their ball was deep or short. I spend months training players to keep track of their shots. Often they will say, "I did hit it deep." Unfortunately, If they could see an instant replay they would be surprised. You must learn to mentally observe EXACTLY where your approach shot lands in the court.

The next time you are playing and you hit an approach shot make a mental note whether your shot really did land deep. If it did not land deep, make a conscious effort to change it. I say this because I have watched players over and over and over again hit approach shots short (but think they are hitting deep) come to the net, lose the point, and have no clue what happened!

Consistently noting where your approach shot lands will be an effective mental tool to begin monitoring the quality of your approach shot.

Tom Veneziano