Return technique: consistency and court positioning

What this lesson covers

The return of serve relies on consistency and maintaining a forward body weight. Players start in a ready position with knees flexed, using a continental grip to prepare for serves directed at the glass, the body, or the middle. When the ball hits the glass, the depth of the bounce dictates the timing. If the ball stays close to the fence, move early to take it before it rises. If it travels further, wait for the rebound and move forward to meet it. Never retreat after the return; always step into the court to maintain net pressure.

Serves directed at the body require immediate movement to create space for a swing. Aiming through the middle is the safest choice to avoid giving the opponent easy angles. On first serves, keep the return flat and deep to prevent the opponent from attacking. On second serves, prioritize a lob to gain time and force the opponents back. Regardless of the serve type, the goal is to set up the next shot, often by forcing a backhand volley from the opponent or playing a chiquita to keep the ball low.