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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of approach shot

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

It was a disappointing day though for McIlroy, who hit his approach shot on the par-five 18th hole into the water en route to a closing double-bogey.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

And just after that, Henley put his approach shot on 18 to about 10 feet of the pin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 28, 2025

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

Homa got through No. 11 just fine, playing his approach shot well right of the pond.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

Trevanion played a good approach shot, and then Bob laid his approach putt dead.

From All for a Scrap of Paper A Romance of the Present War by Hocking, Joseph