Return technique: positioning and target selection

What this lesson covers

The return of serve relies on consistency rather than power. Pros avoid aiming for winners and instead prioritize landing the ball deep within large target areas. The height of the ball over the net serves as a primary gauge for safety. Beginners should aim for a higher margin over the net, while advanced players can afford to skim the net when hitting a chiquita against strong opponents. Depth is the secondary factor for consistency, especially when choosing to lob, where the goal is to land the ball near the service line rather than risking a shot that hits the back glass.

Court positioning significantly influences the quality of the return. Standing one step further back than the usual position near the side glass provides more time to react to fast serves. This adjustment prevents the player from being caught on the back foot when the ball rebounds off the glass. If the serve carries heavy slice and dies, the player should adjust by taking a smaller step toward the glass while preparing the racket early with an open face. This approach suits players looking to build a reliable return game.