Return technique: low preparation for slice serves

What this lesson covers

Effective returns require a lower racket preparation than standard groundstrokes. Because serves often carry heavy slice, the ball stays low after the bounce. Dropping the racket head toward the feet during the initial turn allows the player to meet the ball cleanly. The follow-through should move forward rather than upward to ensure the ball dips as it crosses the net, forcing the server to volley from below the net tape. Using the pace of the serve instead of swinging hard keeps the return controlled and deep.

On first serves, the priority is returning to the server or hitting into the body of the net player to neutralize their advantage. Lobbing on a fast first serve is risky. When facing a second serve, retreating a few steps creates more time and space to execute a lob. A lower preparation remains vital here, with the follow-through moving upward to create height. This tactic forces the opponents to move backward, allowing the returner to take the net position or dictate the point from a neutral stance.