Approach shot choices

Setup

1. P1 on one baseline, P2 on the other, singles court.
2. Cones mark P2's deep corners and a deep middle target.

How it runs

1. P2 starts the point with a feed that lands short, inside P1's service line.
2. P1 chooses the approach: down the line from a ball at the sideline, deep middle from a central ball, low slice from a ball below net height.
3. P1 follows the approach in and plays the point out at the net; P2 tries to pass or lob.
4. Play to 7, then swap roles.

Coaching points

• Move to the short ball early and hit on the way through; don't stop to hit.
• Down the line is the default; it keeps P1 closest to the line of the pass.
• Deep middle takes away the angles and cuts the passing lanes.
• Low slice approaches stay down and force P2 to hit up.
• Follow the line of the ball and split-step as P2 strikes.

Common mistakes

• Approaching crosscourt and opening the down-the-line pass.
• Approach too short, giving P2 an easy pass.
• Stopping at the service line and volleying from the feet.