5 Tips for Returning Serve

by: Mike Sprouse / TennisCT

Not much gets talked about when it comes to the return of serve. It’s one of those shots that players are expected to know how to hit. Think about any tennis lesson you have taken recently. It's likely that you hit a whole bunch of forehands and backhands, probably some volleys, and if there's time left over you will practice some serves.

Hardly ever do you see anyone actually practicing their returns of serve.

I believe the main reason why is because it's difficult to find someone who will keep firing serves at you repetitively! Another reason is because it's difficult to practice the same return stroke because the ball is in a different spot every time you hit it. A server very rarely will hit serves in the exact same spot in the service box, with the exact same pace and exact same spin. It's an ever-changing game for the returner, and something that's difficult to "groove" in practice by repetition like you can the other parts of the game.

However, there are some common traits that the best returners in the sport have. They’re a great starting point and they can help you too. Consider them "best practices" for your return game, and see if by implementing them, you can get that extra break of serve you need in your next match.

1. Be ready: In tennis, the sport is played at the server's pace. If the server is ready to toss the ball up, the returner better be ready to receive it. Be alert and make sure you go through mental preparations well before you see the server step up to the line to serve. Once the ball is served, the point has started and there’s only time to react.

2. Position, position: A lot of beginners and intermediates don't know where to stand when they return. A good place to start is anywhere from a foot in front of the baseline to two feet behind it. The outside foot should be lined up with the side singles line. You can adjust your position from that point depending on the skill of the server. You'll see professionals sometimes stand 10-15 feet behind the baseline to return; for the average player, this isn't recommended (or at all effective).

3. Get balanced: Your stance should distribute equal weight on your right and left legs, with knees slightly bent. It should what most trainers call an “athletic stance”. Weight should be slightly forward on the balls of your feet. The server can either serve to your right or left, and you should be prepared to react quickly in either direction.

4. Short backswing: Unless the opposing serve is very weak giving you time to set up and hit a full forehand or backhand, you will want to focus on using a short backswing to hit your return. Use the server's power. A great return using a 50% shorter or more abbreviated backswing will be easier to hit because it will be easier for you to time. You'll be using less of your own effort and more pace from the server.

5. Grips: Saving the toughest tip for last. I was asked recently what grip I used when waiting for the server to toss not knowing which direction they would serve in. The assumption here is that the returner uses different grips to hit a topspin forehand and topspin backhand, making a fast grip change more difficult especially if you are rushed.

The answer really is "it depends." As a general rule, most servers will attempt to hit towards the returner's backhand assuming that it's the weaker stroke. So, a good play by the returner would be to wait with a backhand grip expecting this to happen more often than not. More advanced players will never serve in a recognizable pattern and will mix the placement of serves up. So to have a great return, you should feel comfortable with different grips and being able to quickly change your grips reactively. If you possess a "chip" or "slice", most players are able to use the same grip for both forehand and backhand sides (by just flipping the face of the racquet to hit). This is the easiest strategy in terms of never having to change your grip especially when facing a dominant server, but often it results in a less powerful, more defensive shot.

The best thing to do is practice changing grips rapidly so that you possess a variety of different shot types depending on the type of serve coming at you.