Return of the side glass: tactics and technique

What this lesson covers

Mastering the return of the side glass requires reading the opponent's starting position and the ball's bounce. When an opponent serves from near the middle, the ball tends to stay closer to the side glass. In this scenario, a low return is safer and prevents the opponent from easily reaching the net. If the serve comes from closer to the glass, the ball has a larger rebound, creating an opportunity for a lob return. Players should aim to take the ball early after the bounce when the serve is deep, while allowing the ball to come to them when it is short.

Technique for these returns involves early preparation and body rotation. When playing a return off the side glass, use topspin and a full follow-through rather than a short, blocked motion. If the opponent plays Australian, the returner should aim to keep the ball low to force the server to run a long distance. The decision between a low return and a lob depends on the speed of the serve and the opponent's proximity to the net. A low return to the middle is a reliable, safe option when under pressure or when the serve is fast and deep.