INSTRUCTION By Jeff Rausch
Return of Serve for Beginners and Improvers
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
PPR professional Lauren Stratman is the # 1 female on the APP Tour .