The Key to a Successful Return of Serve
A strong return sets the stage for a successful rally, giving you control from the get-go. Let’s break down the key elements and provide actionable tips to enhance your return game. Here are 5 Essentials to Master, Common Mistakes and Drills to help you improve:
1) READY POSITION
The first consideration in service return is being in the ready position to be able to react quickly to where the ball is hit.
• Feet: Shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered for balance and quick movement.
• Knees: Slightly bent, allowing for springy, responsive footwork.
• Paddle: Held out in front, around waist level, with a relaxed grip.
• Body Position: Weight slightly forward, head up, eyes locked on the server.
• Split Step: As the server begins their motion, perform a small hop to activate your muscles and prepare for movement.
• Lateral Shuffle: Move quickly side-to-side to adjust your position as you read the serve’s direction.
• Step Forward: On contact, step into your return, adding power and ensuring you’re moving towards the net.
2) FOOTWORK:
As you approach the serve, be mindful of your footwork as it relates to your positioning on the court as well as your ability to swing through the ball in a controlled manner.
• Body Position: Weight slightly forward, head up, eyes locked on the server.
• Split Step: As the server begins their motion, perform a small hop to activate your muscles and prepare for movement.
• Lateral Shuffle: Move quickly side-to-side to adjust your position as you read the serve’s direction.
• Step Forward: On contact, step into your return, adding power and ensuring you’re moving towards the net.
• Early Preparation: Bring the paddle back slightly before contact, ready to swing through the ball.
• Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball slightly in front of your body, ideally at waist height or a bit higher.
• Follow Through: Extend your swing towards your target, ensuring a smooth and controlled motion.
3) ANTICIPATION
Anticipating the serve can give you a significant advantage. What to look for:
• Paddle Angle: Pay close attention to the angle of the server’s paddle face as they swing. A more open paddle face (facing upwards) often signals a topspin serve, while a closed face (facing downwards) could suggest a slice or backspin serve. Be aware that experienced servers might change the paddle angle late to disguise their serve.
• Body Language: Observe the server’s body position and weight shift. A forward lean might indicate an aggressive, driving serve, whereas a more upright stance could point towards a softer, placement-focused serve. However, servers may use their body language to deceive, so look for consistent patterns.
• Contact Zone: Focus on the area where the paddle makes contact with the ball. Contact higher on the ball may generate a deeper serve, while contact lower on the ball could result in a shorter serve or one with more backspin. Practice observing different contact points in real-time to improve your anticipation.
• Server’s Toss: The server’s toss can give away their intended serve. A higher toss is often used for powerful serves, while a lower toss can be used for quick, deceptive serves.
• Foot Positioning: Look at the server’s foot positioning. Different foot stances can indicate the direction and type of serve they are about to make.
• Consistency in Patterns: Observe patterns in the server’s behavior over time. Many servers have tendencies they rely on, especially under pressure.
• Stay Relaxed and Ready: Staying relaxed and maintaining a ready position is crucial. Tension can slow down your reaction time.
4) PADDLE POSITION
Keep your paddle up and in front of your body, ready to react. Avoid dropping your paddle below your waist, as this can slow your response time. Position the paddle at about chest height, with a slight forward angle to easily transition into your return shot.
• Early Preparation: Bring the paddle back slightly before contact, ready to swing through the ball.
• Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball slightly in front of your body, ideally at waist height or a bit higher.
• Follow Through: Extend your swing towards your target, ensuring a smooth and controlled motion.
5) BODY POSITION ON THE COURT
Position yourself a few feet behind the baseline to give yourself space to react to deep serves. This positioning allows you to step into the ball for a strong return while also being able to move forward quickly for shorter serves.
• Deep Returns: Target the back third of the service box. This forces your opponents to hit a more difficult third shot and gives you time to get to the NVZ line.
• Directional Returns: If you read the serve well, aim for your opponent’s backhand or a weaker side.
• High Returns: Consider a lofted return, especially against aggressive servers. This buys you extra time to reach the net.
COMMON MISTAKES
• Standing too close to the baseline: This limits your reaction time and ability to handle deep serves.
• Holding the paddle too low: Slows down your reaction and makes it harder to return high serves.
• Being too tense: This affects your movement and shot execution. Stay relaxed and ready.
GETTING TO THE NVZ
After a successful return, your goal is to get to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) quickly. This position allows you to control the net and put pressure on your opponents. Practice sprinting to the NVZ immediately after your return to build this habit.
CHECKLIST
[ ] Ready position: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, paddle up.
[ ] Light and quick footwork.
[ ] Observe server’s paddle angle, body language, contact zone, and toss.
[ ] Maintain paddle position at chest height.
[ ] Stand a few feet behind the baseline.
[ ] Aim for the server’s feet or backhand.
[ ] Relax and stay ready.
[ ] Sprint to the NVZ after your return.
DRILLS TO PRACTICE SERVICE RETURN
Partner Serve and Return Drill:
Objective: Improve your ability to read and return different types of serves.
Setup: One player serves, and the other returns. Focus on varying the serve types (topspin, slice, deep, short).
Instructions: The server serves 10 balls, mixing up the types of serves. The returner focuses on reading the serve and returning it to a designated target area. Switch roles after each set.
Shadow Footwork Drill:
Objective: Enhance your footwork and positioning.
Setup: No ball is needed for this drill.
Instructions: Start in your ready position. Practice moving quickly and efficiently to different positions as if reacting to a serve. Focus on small, quick steps and staying balanced. Repeat for 2 minutes, rest, and repeat for a total of 5 sets. If you have a partner, have them randomly point to different sides so you can practice quick reaction as well as footwork.
Return and Rush Drill:
Objective: Combine returning serves with moving quickly to the NVZ.
Setup: One player serves, and the other returns and rushes to the NVZ.
Instructions: The server serves 10 balls. The returner focuses on making a solid return and immediately sprinting to the NVZ. Switch roles after each set. This drill helps build the habit of moving forward quickly after a return.
By integrating these tips and drills into your practice routine, you’ll become more confident and effective in returning serves. Remember, consistent practice and observation are key to mastering this essential skill in pickleball.
