Rethinking the Approach Shot

One of my mentors, legendary Spanish coach Jose Higueras, has said the midcourt ball is “the most dangerous situation in tennis.” If that is true, we should rethink some of the longstanding ways we teach the approach shot in the modern game.

The transition game has evolved far beyond its chip-and-charge roots. Courts and balls are slower, grass is no longer the predominant surface, players are faster, and modern racket and string technology allow opponents to hit heavier, dipping passing shots from difficult positions. These factors have transformed both the technique and the tactics of moving forward. What once felt automatic now must be evaluated more carefully than ever.  And too often, longstanding myths get in the way.

Let’s break them down.

Myth 1: The Slice Is the Ideal Approach Shot

For generations, the slice approach defined forward movement. Keep the ball low and follow it in.  This was the textbook pattern. And yes, the slice still has a place, especially on very low balls or when the court is fast.

But slice is no longer the default approach.

Modern rackets and strings allow players to generate heavy topspin passing shots from almost anywhere.  Concurrently, slower surfaces give defenders more…