A well-centered opponent can make for an easy point.
Like most tennis players, you probably think that an approach shot has to be perfect. Instead of aiming for perfection, just try to be smart.
The down-the-middle approach is one of the most intelligent plays in the game, yet few people rely on it. The reason why it works so well is simple geometry.
When you approach down the middle and charge the net, you force opponents to hit sharp angles to put the ball by you. And the closer you can get to the net, the tougher their task—and the more pressure they’ll feel as you close in.
The backhand slice, shown here, is the perfect shot for a down-the-middle approach. If you hit it deep and with enough spin, it will stay low and make your opponent have to hit the ball up into your ideal volley range.
And here’s the final benefit to the down-the-middle approach: Now that your opponent is stuck in the center of the court at the baseline, you’ll have a lot of options for angled volleys that will win you the point.
Kelly Gunterman is the Director of Tennis at Amelia Island Tennis Plantation and author of the book Tennis Made Easy: Essential Strokes & Strategy for the Modern Game
Originally published in the January/February 2011 issue of TENNIS.