“ 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.
BEGINNER 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 1 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 next shot. So, slow it down and aim deeper for better returns.
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