Return of easy serve: attacking the net position

What this lesson covers

An easy serve provides an immediate opportunity to seize the net. Players often treat a weak serve as a simple point starter, pushing the ball into the middle of the box and remaining at the back of the court. Instead, the receiver should step forward quickly to meet the ball, hit a deep return, and move to the net with their partner. This transition shifts the momentum and puts the serving pair on the defensive.

When the opponent serves and follows it with a serve-volley, the receiver must split-step early and move into position fast. Rather than risking a fast passing shot, the best options are a lob over the server's head or a soft chiquita to their feet. After hitting the return, the receiver must commit to reaching the net position fully to avoid getting stuck in no man's land. If the lob fails, both players should recover to the back of the court. This approach suits players who want to turn a weak serve into an aggressive net-taking opportunity.