The Approach and Volley

Here Rafter moves forward with his shoulders coiled
and his racquet back, then slices the approach shot, and continues
on to the net.

The purpose of the approach shot is to get you to the net and in
position to make a clean volley. The best ball to approach on is a short
ball, one that lands on or near the service line because from there, you
can get to the net with the fewest steps.

By moving to the net behind your stroke, you are in a sense running
forward as you hit the ball. Moving forward while hitting the ball will
add power to your stroke so a shorter backswing is necessary to reduce the
amount of power you impart to the ball. Also, because you’re inside the
court a bit, the distance to your opponent’s baseline is shorter so again
you don’t need to get as much power as you do when you’re back behind the
baseline.

As you run toward the ball, your shoulders should be rotated, and your
body almost sideways to the net. After contact, continue on toward the
net.

Try to stay relaxed, since your body is somewhat tilted, and twisted, as you…