Returning serves off the side glass

What this lesson covers

Deciding whether to play the ball before or after the glass determines the success of the return. If the serve hits the front section of the side glass, allow it to rebound and play it after. If the serve targets the back section, take the ball before it reaches the glass to avoid being jammed in the corner. Making a firm decision early prevents the common mistake of freezing in place.

Prepare the racket low and early to handle the low bounce of a sliced serve. Use small adjustment steps to maintain distance from the glass, ensuring enough space to swing. Avoid lunging, as this often leads to poor positioning. Keep the return simple by blocking the ball back toward the server rather than attempting complex lobs or angled shots. Dropping the racket head further helps when the ball stays exceptionally low, allowing for a smooth pick-up motion to clear the net.