“ The three problems with powerful swings are : we miss them a lot , they ’ re inaccurate , and they don ’ t allow the returner time to get to the net before the serving team hits their next shot . So , slow it down and aim deeper for better returns .
INSTRUCTION by WAYNE DOLLARD
SERVE RETURNS 101
At the beginner level , the return ( along with the serve ) is arguably the most important shot you ’ ll need to master to make it up to the intermediate level . With a few simple pointers , you can level up your game by simply adjusting your returning game plan .
All beginners understand that they can ’ t win a point without getting the serve in , but why is the return of serve so important ? First , if you miss the return , you give away a free point . When playing to 11 , one missed return is 9 percent of the game . Second , after you successfully return the serve , you can move up to the non-volley line and establish control over the net . And the team who reaches the net first wins the vast majority of points at the beginner level . So , here are the key points to having a solid return of serve .
The Continental Grip
The first step to a good return of serve is a proper continental grip . To hold this grip , place the “ V ” of your hand between the thumb and index finger on the side of the paddle face and run it down until you ’ re gripping the handle . This is a balanced grip so that you can hit forehands or backhands without the need to readjust your hand position for the next shot you ’ ll hit .
You ’ ll find that roughly 99 percent of intermediate and advanced players use this grip for returning , so let ’ s get comfortable with it now .
Where to Stand When Returning
Too often , beginners stand inside the court baseline , or too far to the left or right from the center of their serve return box .
I always recommend that beginners stand one foot behind the baseline near the center of their service box . This position allows the returner the ability to move forward if the server hits a short serve , or to take a step back on a deep serve . At the same time , the returner can cover both left and right sides by only taking one or two steps .
Also , if you strongly prefer your forehand or backhand , it is OK to set up 1-2 feet to the left or right of center to increase the odds of getting that desired shot . Do not shift more than a couple of feet because you might not be able to cover a wide ball hit to your preferred side .
Hitting the Return
“ The three problems with powerful swings are : we miss them a lot , they ’ re inaccurate , and they don ’ t allow the returner time to get to the net before the serving team hits their next shot . So , slow it down and aim deeper for better returns .
Now we ’ re going to get into how to hit the return . To start , most beginners prefer a forehand rather than a backhand . So , grab a continental grip , stand a foot behind the baseline , and take one small step to your left to open up the forehand side a little more . If you ’ re lefthanded , you ’ ll want to take a small step to your right to give your forehand more room .
The swing on the return should be kept very short and compact . From the beginner to intermediate level , we often see very hard , aggressive swings — something you want to avoid .
Whether you ’ re hitting a forehand or backhand , you want to have a short backswing parallel to your waist and following through on a slightly inclined trajectory toward the target . Your grip should be very firm and your swing speed moderate . The goal is a smooth , deep return , not a hard , short one .
Too often , beginners overswing on their serve returns using exaggerated , aggressive groundstrokes . The three problems with powerful swings are : we miss them a lot , they ’ re inaccurate , and they don ’ t allow the returner time to get to the net before the serving team hits their
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