Return | coachb

Return of Serve

Here are some keys to a successful service return:

Split Step (prepare) — Many beginning players just don't have enough reaction time before returning a serve. Save time by analyzing the service motion and making a split step around the time your opponents makes contact with the ball. This will prepare you body to start moving in the necessary direction to cut off and intercept the ball.
Y Path (prepare) — Start a few steps back from where you want to make contact. Move forward during their service motion. Split step and chose which branch of the Y you will choose to follow to meet the ball. (Note: It's a "Y" not a "T". Move forward, not to the side.)
1st Serve vs 2nd Serve Strategy (Prepare) — For first serves, give yourself more time to approach the ball by starting back 3-6 feet behind the baseline. After a swing, recover to the center mark. For second serves (especially in doubles), start right around the baseline, give the ball a more compact stroke (aiming to the open court), or chip and charge.
3 Swing Options (Contact/Follow Through) — Depending on the speed of the ball, you will have to decide how much of a backswing to take.
1. If it's a heater, you may need to "block" it back over just to keep it in play. (1/2)
2. If it's a moderately fast serve or has spin, perhaps de-emphasize the backswing, but give it a good follow through (2/5).
3. If it's a soft, second serve, "punish" the server for bringing that weak sauce onto your side of the court. You may chose to rip one down the line by coming in even more aggressively, swing evening through the ball and make a full swing (4/4).
Analyze the Server's Motion (prepare) — This is an intermediate/advanced skill, but you can start watching now to see if you can see patterns.
1. An Eastern (twisted) grip means a spin serve is coming. Prepare for lateral movement.
2. A toss behind the head means big top spin. Prepare for a bounce.
3. Watch the your opponent's eyes. Many players will unconsciously look at their target during their service motion.

Additionally, here are 7 Return of Serve Tips I really liked online.

Return of Serve Preparation

Grip: Continental or Eastern
Recover to ready position.

3 Types of Serve Return Swings

FAST - defensive block. 8-10' over the net. Just get it in. Neutralize the point by getting it as deep as possible.
MEDIUM - Eastern topspin half swing. No backswing, but good follow through guiding/pushing the ball back over.
SLOW - Punish! Penetrating offensive shot.

Return of Serve Preparation

Practice. It's common to practice serve, but not your return.
Find a return rhythm. When your opponent begins their motion, step, step, split step.
If you're scared, take a step in. Be aggressive.
Pick a target beforehand. In doubles, try to hit right over the service strap or where the service line meets the singles side line.
Recover to ready position around the baseline.

How to Handle a Slow Serve

Preferably, use a "topspin-friendly" grip, like a semi-western so you can really tee off (use a full swing).
Swing low to high to ensure the topspin ball drops into the court.
Step inside the baseline.

Return of Serve

Here are some keys to a successful service return:

Y Path (prepare) — Start a few steps back from where you want to make contact. Move forward during their service motion. Split step and chose which branch of the Y you will choose to follow to meet the ball. (Note: It's a "Y" not a "T". Move forward, not to the side.)

3 Swing Options (Contact/Follow Through) — Depending on the speed of the ball, you will have to decide how much of a backswing to take.

If it's a heater, you may need to "block" it back over just to keep it in play. (1/2)

If it's a moderately fast serve or has spin, perhaps de-emphasize the backswing, but give it a good follow through (2/5).

If it's a soft, second serve, "punish" the server for bringing that weak sauce onto your side of the court. You may chose to rip one down the line by coming in even more aggressively, swing evening through the ball and make a full swing (4/4).​

Analyze the Server's Motion (prepare) — This is an intermediate/advanced skill, but you can start watching now to see if you can see patterns.

An Eastern (twisted) grip means a spin serve is coming. Prepare for lateral movement.

A toss behind the head means big top spin. Prepare for a bounce.

Watch the your opponent's eyes. Many players will unconsciously look at their target during their service motion.

Additionally, here are 7 Return of Serve Tips I really liked online.

If it's a soft, second serve, "punish" the server for bringing that weak sauce onto your side of the court. You may chose to rip one down the line by coming in even more aggressively, swing evening through the ball and make a full swing (4/4).