approach shot

American  

noun

1. Tennis. a hard, forcing shot usually made deep into the opponent's court, allowing the player to move in toward the net for an offensive volley.

2. Golf. approach.

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approach shot British  

noun

1. Also called: approach.  golf a shot made to or towards the green after a tee shot

2. tennis a deep drive, usually hit with slice to keep the ball low, designed to enable the player to make an approach to the net

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Etymology

Origin of approach shot

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

approach shot

Asked what his memories of the moment were, in typically understated fashion he remembers "hitting an approach shot with my forehand into Raonic's backhand and him missing the passing shot into the net".

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

Of course, with the title at his fingertips, McIlroy baited the golfing gods on the final hole when he launched a drive into the trees and plunked his approach shot into a bunker.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

The Englishman, who made the winning putt at last year's Ryder Cup, holed his approach shot on the 17th for an eagle before adding a birdie on the final green.

From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026

His approach shot on the par-five seventh landed in a greenside bunker, but he chipped to 14 feet and made the birdie putt to move to one under.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2024

Away it goes bouncing far off on to the other side, and another approach shot has to be played, often by reason of a hazard having been found, more difficult than the first.

From The Complete Golfer by Vardon, Harry