Chiquita return: efficient movement and reaction

What this lesson covers

Returning a chiquita requires a short preparation to steal time from the opponents. The racket stays in front of the body at shoulder height throughout the movement. When the incoming ball is slow, the player steps forward with the right leg to meet the ball close to the net. If the ball stays above the net, a flat, strong shot takes time away from the opponents. If the ball is below the net, the player avoids a lob, as this often leads to losing the point due to the low contact point.

Efficient movement is essential for success. The player maintains a ready position with weight on the tips of the feet and avoids anticipating the opponent's shot. Instead, the player reacts to the ball's trajectory. If the opponent hits a chiquita, the player moves forward to pick up the ball rather than waiting in a static position. This approach emphasizes reaction over anticipation to avoid being caught out of position by a change in the opponent's shot selection.