Transitions, Patterns and Approaching The Net

Key Points

• Aim to hit your rally/agressive ball deep and crosscourt to the corner or hit an angle and take your opponent off the court
• Once you see your opponent hit a shot short and crosscourt to either the forehand or the backhand, that is your signal to approach the net and use the pattern
• Hit your approach shot down the line and then a short volley to the opposite side
• Approach shot should be deep but not too close to the line
• Feeding should be random, so the player doesn't cheat and move too early
• Recognize the short ball early, turn the body with the correct footwork and catch it on the rise
• Hit your approach shot to your opponent's weaker side
• Get as close as you can to the net with a solid split step that allows you to move both ways
• "Find your spot" at the net by taking 1 step and reaching towards the inside tramline so your racket is in line with it and you’re covering the down the line passing shot
• Accept that you will be passed sometimes but the percentages are in your favor
• The better your approach shot and the faster you can cover the net, the less chance you have of being passed
• Your volley should generally be short and angled, as your opponent will hit their passing shot from behind the baseline
• Hit the outside of the ball on the forehand side to create more angle with your volley
• Memorize your "spots” at the net so it's natural
• Feel like you're "catching the ball" on your volleys with no swing
• Racket shouldn't move on contact
• Use your legs to generate power on your volleys, not your hands