Return of serve: counterattacking the Australian formation

What this lesson covers

When opponents use the Australian formation, the returner targets the straight line to force a reaction. By hitting the return deep and moving forward immediately, the player puts the server under pressure. The server often tries to avoid the incoming player, which opens up a wider angle for the next shot. Cutting this angle allows the returner to move through the center and win the point directly.

On the backhand side, the player hits the ball in front of the body while moving forward. On the forehand side, the player must step in with the right foot or cross over to ensure the paddle face remains square at contact. This tactic works best against weak serves to build a 0-30 or 15-40 lead, effectively putting the serving team in check.