Re: WHY D-T-L ON APPROACH SHOTS?

Dear Ann,
The whole reason for going down the line on your
approach shot is for 2 major reasons. Firstly if you
approach DTL you will be following in behind the path
of the ball, therefore cutting out angles and being
behind the ball. Secondly by approaching DTL you have
less court to cover in order to be in the right
volleying position. Where as if you approached
crosscourt you would then have to run all the way over
to the other side to take up your perfect volleying
position.
I have some better ideas though and will be willing to
share them with you. I am also in Johannesburg. If you
want to contact me my cell is 082-974-5887.
Yours In tennis
Paul Prior


From MichaelB_at_copper.net
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From: "Michael Bonnell" <MichaelB_at_copper.net>
To: <tennisbiz_at_tennisserver.com>
Subject: Re: WHY D-T-L ON APPROACH SHOTS?
Date: Fri 22 Sep 2000 00:42:05 -0000

Down the line is the safest approach shot. Although it is true that the
net is lower in the middle, and that the court is longer on the
crosscourt angle (4.5 feet), down the line is a higher percentage play.
If I approach with a down the line shot that takes you outside of the
single's line, crosscourt becomes a tougher reply. In fact, the wider I
take you, the less angle you have to go crosscourt at all. But the wider
you get, the more the down the line pass becomes available. That being
said....let's think about this. I approach with a crosscourt shot that
pulls you wide. Down the line becomes your most likely reply.
Unfortunately for me, I am on the other side of the court scrambling to
just get to the middle. Result: Easy passing shot. Now let's reverse it.
I take my approach shot down the line. Your most likely reply is still
down the line, but I am now on that side shutting that shot down. Your
options are now...1) Thread the needle down the line. 2) Try the
crosscourt shot which is rapidly getting tougher and tougher. 3) Lob.
I'll take my chances on these options any point in the match. Keep the
approach shots down the line and keep playing percentage tennis.

P.S. Slice down the line takes away even more options. Just ask Mr.
Rafter about that!!!

Mike Bonnell USPTA
Little Turtle Country Club
Westerville, Ohio


Received on Fri Sep 22 2000 - 02:44:21 CDT