In singles tennis, the best times to approach the net are when you get a short, slow ball inside the baseline, when your opponent is pulled wide or off balance, and after a deep or heavy shot that forces a weak, floating reply. Hit the approach shot deep and controlled, usually down the line, then follow the direction of the ball to position yourself in the middle of your opponent’s possible passing shots, and split step as they hit. Coming forward at the right moment lets you finish points with volleys and puts pressure on opponents, but approaching at the wrong time or with a weak approach usually leads to easy passing shots. This guide explains when to come in, how to hit a good approach shot, where to position yourself, how to handle the first volley and lobs, drills to practice and common mistakes.
Good times to approach the net
| Situation | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Short ball inside the baseline | You are already moving forward into the court |
| Opponent stretched wide | A weak or predictable reply is likely |
| Deep, high ball forcing a defensive shot | You have time to close in |
| Opponent’s weaker side | Passing shots are harder to hit well |
| Opponent far behind the baseline | Their passing shots take longer to arrive |
| Serve and volley as a surprise | Changes rhythm and adds pressure |
| After a good drop shot | Opponent must scramble forward and hit up |
Why coming forward helps
Approaching the net takes time away from your opponent, cuts off angles for them to use in rallies and lets you finish points with volleys and overheads. It also adds variety, forcing opponents to hit passing shots and lobs under pressure rather than settling into a comfortable baseline rhythm. Many players miss chances to come forward, staying back even after hitting a strong shot that draws a weak reply. Learning when to move in can turn good rally positions into won points.
Recognizing the right ball
The key is recognizing an opportunity early. Signs include a ball that lands short, around or inside the service line; a slow, high or floating reply; an opponent hitting on the run or off balance; and a defensive slice that sits up. As soon as you recognize one of these, move forward with the intention of approaching rather than hitting from the baseline and then deciding. Hitting the approach while moving forward, rather than stopping and waiting for the ball, gives your opponent less time to prepare.
Hitting the approach shot
A good approach shot is deep and controlled rather than simply hard. Depth pushes the opponent back and makes passing shots harder. Many players use a slice approach, which stays low and forces the opponent to hit up, making it harder to pass. Others use a topspin approach, especially on a high ball. The direction matters as much as the pace. Hitting down the line is often recommended in singles because it keeps you better positioned to cover your opponent’s passing angles. Approaching crosscourt can work when the opponent is out of position, but it opens more of the court for a down-the-line pass.
Following the ball and positioning
After hitting the approach, move forward along the line of your shot, positioning yourself in the middle of your opponent’s likely passing shots. This idea is often called bisecting the angle. If you approach down the line, you will usually finish slightly to that side of the center line rather than exactly in the middle of the court. Keep moving forward until the opponent is about to hit, then split step so you can react in any direction. Getting closer to the net makes volleys easier and cuts off angles, but being too close leaves you vulnerable to lobs.
The first volley
The first volley is often played from around the service line, sometimes below the height of the net. Aim it deep or angled away from the opponent rather than trying for an outright winner from a difficult position. Keep the racquet in front, use a short punch and move forward after the volley to close in further. If the first volley puts the opponent under pressure, the second volley or overhead is often the chance to finish the point.
Handling lobs and passing shots
When you approach, opponents will try to pass or lob. Staying balanced after your split step lets you react. If the opponent hits a lob, turn sideways and move back, and hit an overhead if you can reach it comfortably. If the lob is too deep, you may need to let it bounce or run it down. Against passing shots, keep your racquet up and in front, and accept that good passing shots will sometimes win the point. The goal is to make the opponent hit a difficult shot under pressure, not to win every net point.
Step-by-step: approaching the net
- Recognize a short or weak ball early.
- Move forward with the intention to approach.
- Hit a deep, controlled approach, usually down the line.
- Follow the line of the ball to bisect the passing angles.
- Split step as the opponent hits.
- Play a deep or angled first volley.
- Close in and finish with the next volley or overhead.
Adapting to your opponent
Some opponents pass very well, especially from their stronger side, while others struggle to hit passing shots under pressure. Watch how they respond when you come forward. If they hit excellent passing shots from one side, approach to the other side. If they lob often, stay slightly further back and be ready to move. Court surface can also affect net play, since lower, faster bounces can help approaches stay low, while slower, higher bounces give opponents more time. Adjust how often you come in based on what works in the match.
Practice drills
Use a feeding drill where the coach feeds a short ball, you hit an approach down the line and play out the point. Play approach games where points start with a short ball and the player must come in. Practice the transition from baseline to net with repeated approach and volley sequences. Play points where a bonus point is awarded for winning at the net. Practice defending lobs by having a partner lob after your approach. Film points to check where you are positioning after the approach.
Building confidence at the net
Many baseline players avoid the net because they do not feel confident volleying. Spend time on volley technique, including split steps, compact swings and footwork, so the net feels comfortable. Start by approaching only on very short balls, then expand to more situations as your confidence grows. Winning points at the net becomes easier with repetition, and even losing some net points can be worth it if it makes opponents uncomfortable.
Common mistakes
- Approaching off deep balls from behind the baseline without a reason.
- Hitting the approach too hard and missing it.
- Short, weak approaches that are easy to pass.
- Approaching crosscourt without considering the open court.
- Not following the line of the ball.
- Skipping the split step.
- Rushing the first volley and going for too much.
Frequently asked questions
Why approach down the line in singles?
It keeps you better positioned to cover your opponent’s passing angles and gives them less of the court to hit into.
When should I come to the net in singles?
On short, slow balls inside the baseline, when the opponent is off balance or stretched wide, or after a shot that forces a weak reply.
Where should I stand after an approach shot?
Follow the line of your approach and position yourself in the middle of your opponent’s possible passing shots, then split step as they hit.
