Return tactics: consistency and the chiquita

What this lesson covers

The primary objective of any return is consistency. A return that finds the net or the glass results in an immediate loss of the point, gifting the opponent an unforced error. Players must prioritize getting the ball back in play over attempting aggressive winners, especially when facing difficult serves into the corner or fast serves down the T.

A chiquita is a soft shot directed at the feet of the incoming server. This shot is most effective when the server is caught in no man's land or when the returner receives a ball that allows for controlled placement. If the opponent sprints aggressively to the net, a lob is often a safer choice to buy time and reset the position. For difficult serves, a solid, deep return is preferred over a risky attempt at a finesse shot. Players should reserve the chiquita for situations where they have full control of the ball and the technical ability to execute the trajectory accurately.