BEGINNER
by JEFF RAUSCH
RETURN OF SERVE for Beginners and Improvers
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You have one chance to make a first impression— make it a good one! Many beginners and improving players often discount the importance of the service return. What steps can you take to ensure that your return of serve sets the stage for the rally to develop in your favor?
Positioning
As the player returning the serve, you should be positioned a foot or two behind the baseline so that you are contacting the ball in front of your body while starting your movement toward the non-volley zone( NVZ) line. If you are put in a position where you need to move backward, you will likely not be able to contact the ball in front of your body and it will take you longer to get to the NVZ line.
Stance
Be ready with your feet shoulder width apart, weight on the balls of your feet and paddle in ready position, and take a light split step in preparation for movement.
Contact Point
Keep your paddle backswing as short as possible; however, generally not past your hip. Focus on contacting the ball in front of you and sometimes to the side as well, if needed, while adjusting your wrist angle to make sure your paddle is in the correct position to contact the ball. Keep your wrist fixed through the shot with your paddle angle
LAUREN STRATMAN IS A PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL PLAYER COMPETING ON THE PPA TOUR IN WOMEN’ S SINGLES, WOMEN’ S DOUBLES, AND MIXED DOUBLES.
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