Joe's Coaching Tips  

Returning the Serve

The return of service is almost as important as a good serve. Unless it’s a weak serve don’t try to make an outright winner. Put pressure on the server with a percentage return.
 


Whilst waiting to receive, hold the racket in both hands out in front of you.
 


 

Watch carefully the toss as it leaves the servers hand. A toss for example over the servers head is likely to result in a top spin, kicking serve.
 

At the beginning of a game, concentrate on getting percentage returns back. Points can often be won by an error by the server.
 


Move into the ball when returning as this gets more weight behind the ball.
 


 

Don’t panic when receiving a big serve. Shorten your back swing and complete with a controlled follow through.
 

Against a base-liner, return the ball deep and controlled.
 

Against a serve-and-volleyer, hit low topspin dipping returns to the feet of the in coming server.
 

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Page last updated 30th November, 2003.