Forehand return technique: movement and contact

What this lesson covers

The return of serve on the backhand side relies on a three-step sequence: movement, support, and contact. For movement, the crossover step is preferred over the lateral step, especially when the ball travels more than two meters. This crossover starts with the left foot, which pushes the body and opens the hips, allowing for a natural, faster transition toward the ball. Drawing foot placement marks on the court helps coordinate this movement pattern.

Support depends on the opponent's ball and the player's anticipation. A semi-open stance provides balance and allows for energy transfer when moving backward, while stepping forward with the left foot is necessary for balls that land deeper in the court. The goal is to maintain balance to ensure the arm movement remains controlled during the strike.

For the contact point, letting the ball drop slightly after its peak provides better control and feel. A slight lift from bottom to top, finishing above the shoulder, generates power. To ensure follow-through, using an obstacle like a towel attached to the racket forces the player to maintain the swing path after impact, preventing the common mistake of stopping the arm abruptly upon contact.