How To Play The Net

Step 1: Time to come in

You should look for situations where you can move forward into the oncoming ball.

This enables you to get to the net quicker, and makes you more difficult to pass.

You can wait for a weaker, shorter ball which lands on or around the service line.

As soon as you see that the ball is dropping short, that is the moment to come in. Just move up the court to meet the ball.

Step 2: Pressurise your opponent

Your approach shot needs to target the other player´s weakness. This is often the backhand,

so you can hit an approach shot down the line.

This shot reaches your opponent quickly and gives them less angle to pass you with.

Just choose whichever shot you think will force your opponent to struggle.

This might be a slice, low and wide to your opponent's backhand. Or sometimes even a drop shot, low and short.

Step 3: Your position

As you head for the net, you should move to the same side you hit your approach shot to.

This is vital as it cuts down your opponent's opportunities to pass.

If you hit the ball out wide to the backhand, then move to the centre of the court, so that you don't leave a huge space for your opponent to pass down the line.

Once at the net stay balanced, with your racket out in front of you. That way you are ready to move to either side, or back to smash a lob.

Step 4: Put the ball away

Making the right decisions about where to hit your volley is crucial.

If the ball is at around net height then you can volley it back, deep into your opponent's court.

If the ball comes back higher than the net then you can hit it away on an angle for a winner.

If you´ve pressurised your opponent into lobbing, go for a smash.

And that's all there is to it! A winning net strategy for your tennis, learned the VideoJug way!