How Shot Depth and Net Clearance Help You Win More Tennis Matches
Small differences often separate winners from losers in tennis. Two of the most underrated factors that influence performance are shot depth and net clearance. Players and coaches frequently focus on power and spin, but shot depth is overlooked by many. Improving your shot depth and net clearance can directly affect your performance, and help you win more matches.
With 16,000 matches recorded on Zenniz courts over the past three months, we dove into the data to analyze how players manage shot depth and net clearance. Here's what we found.
What Is Shot Depth in Tennis?
Shot depth refers to how far into the opponent’s court the ball lands, measured from the net toward the baseline (11,88 m). Deeper shots are harder to attack, push opponents back, and give the hitter more control in the rally. In professional tennis, the majority of groundstrokes land beyond the service line and shorter shots are often attacked. A common pattern we see in pro tennis is that both players hit deep balls, and when one of the players leaves the ball short, the other player takes control.
Not all groundstrokes are the same. Forehands are often played with more topspin and confidence, while backhands often are flatter and slower. Small differences can also be seen in the shot depths.
Shot Depths | Zenniz Users |
Forehand Depth | 6,75 m |
Backhand Depth | 6,48 m |
What Is Net Clearance and Why Does It Matter?
Net clearance is the distance between the ball and the top of the net. Shots with low clearance risk hitting the net, while those with too much height can lose pace and allow the opponent more time to respond. The challenge lies in finding the optimal net clearance that combines safety with depth and pressure.
Your net clearance should also depend on what kind of shot you want to hit and where on the court you are positioned. If you are inside the court, you should focus on a lower, aggressive shot, and if you’re pushed behind the baseline, you should add more height to the ball to buy time for recovery and regain court position.
Net Clearance | Zenniz Users |
Forehand Net Clearance | 1,27 m |
Backhand Net Clearance | 1,42 m |
The Relationship Between Shot Depth and Net Clearance
There is a moderate positive correlation between net clearance and shot depth. This means that as net clearance increases, shot depth also tends to increase, however, the relationship isn’t infinite and there are several exceptions.
Beginners often need to hit higher balls to keep the ball deep, while advanced players can keep the ball deep with a lower shot. The optimal net clearance is hard to define since players have different shot styles, players hit with varying speed and spin, both of which influence shot depth.
If your balls land short, the first thing you should be looking at is net clearance. When rallying, try hitting more than 1 meter above the net.
Read more about important tennis stats.
How Does This Compare to Professional Tennis?
In professional tennis, depth is a key factor in winning rallies. Top players land most of their groundstrokes past the baseline. But they don't always hit deep shots. Sometimes hitting deep isn't the best choice, mixing it up with short balls and angled cross court shots also comes in play. But the basic rally ball stays deep most of the time.
Practical Tips for Increasing Shot Depth
Improving depth without compromising consistency is a key training goal. Here are some proven methods:
Modify your net clearance based on your court position
Use topspin to safely add height and depth
Follow your shot depth in real-time with Zenniz or place targets on the court
With Zenniz courts, players can track their average depth and clearance in real-time and review detailed analytics after each session.
Read more on how Zenniz can improve your game.
How Zenniz Tracks These Metrics
Zenniz courts automatically measure net clearance, shot depth, and many other performance variables for every shot. Players and coaches can access real-time feedback, full session stats, and video replay, allowing for precise adjustments and focused improvement.
Zenniz also includes drills and game modes specifically designed to improve consistency, shot depth, and net clearance. With Zenniz you have the possibility to always know your net clearance and shot depth, no more guesswork!
Read more about Zenniz's shot analytics.
Conclusion
Shot depth and net clearance are often overlooked, yet they influence every point played. With the right tools and data, players at all levels can build a habit of hitting deep, train with purpose, and make measurable progress.
Whether you're looking to win more rallies or analyze performance like a pro, understanding how these two elements interact is a powerful step forward. Zenniz helps you track, train, and compete with data on your side.