the approach shot (or return of serve in chip-n-charge) is the key. It is also dependent on what level you are playing at. How hard you hit the ball is not really nearly as important as where and how.
A good approach shot is 3 things.
a. deep
b. near a sideline (esp in singles)
c. low
at 3.0, you will win, if your approach shot has 1 of these three things. none? you will most likely lose the point.
at 3.5, you will win, if your approach shot has 2 of these things. One? you will most likely lose the point.
at 4.0, you will win if your approach shot has all 3 of these things. Two? you will most likely lose the point.
Probably an oversimplification, but a pretty good rule of thumb.
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