approach shotcoming to the netshort ball

If You Charge Every Short Ball and Keep Getting Passed

The ball's height, your balance, and the opponent's position—not shortness alone—determine whether you have permission to come to the net.

If You Charge Every Short Ball and Keep Getting Passed

Start with this check

Trying to hit a winner from a low, difficult short ball produces a weak approach and leaves you late getting into net position.

Try these steps in order

  1. Judge whether the ball is above net height and whether you can move in while balanced.
  2. In most cases, use a deep approach that sends the opponent into a corner instead of aiming for a line.
  3. Split-step as the opponent makes contact and prepare for both the passing shot and the lob.

Bottom line

Net play begins not when you see a short ball, but when you produce a quality approach shot.

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Technical evidence

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