Which Ball Should You Approach On? A Simple System
Quick answer
Approach on a short ball you can hit from inside the baseline, moving forward, and you will win most of those points. Approach on a deep, low, or wide ball that has you stretched, and you will get passed. Think of it like a traffic light: short and high is green, neutral is yellow, deep and tough is red.
Why your approaches get passed
Most players blame their volleys when they get passed, but the real mistake happened a shot earlier: they approached off the wrong ball. If you come in off a deep ball that pushed you back, you arrive at the net late and your opponent has an easy, balanced passing shot. The right ball makes the volley easy. The wrong ball makes it impossible.
The green, yellow, red system
- Green: a short, higher ball you can take from inside the baseline moving forward. Approach and close.
- Yellow: a neutral ball at a comfortable height but not short. Approach only if you can hit it well and your opponent is off balance.
- Red: a deep, low, or wide ball that has you stretched or pushed back. Stay back and reset the point.
Where to hit the approach
Hit the approach deep, often down the line, so you cut off the angle and have less court to cover at the net. Then close the net behind it with a split step as your opponent strikes. A good approach plus a calm first volley wins the point, which is why it helps to fix the pop-up volley first. Recognizing the short ball is also a footwork skill, since you have to read it early and move forward.
The short version
Green light is short and high, so approach. Red light is deep, low, or wide, so stay back. Hit the approach deep and close behind it.
Frequently asked
When should you approach the net in tennis?
Approach on a short ball you can hit from inside the baseline while moving forward. Do not approach off a deep, low, or wide ball that has you stretched, because you will arrive late and get passed.
Why do I always get passed at the net?
Usually because you approached on the wrong ball and arrived out of position. Approach only on a short, attackable ball, hit it deep to cut the angle, and close with a split step.
Where should I hit my approach shot?
Hit it deep, often down the line, to take time away and reduce the angle your opponent can use to pass you. Then move forward and split step as they hit.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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