Returns are the most difficult shots that you are faced with consistently. Since a return is needed almost every point they are also the second most important shot behind the serve.  So what can you do to make sure your returns are the best they can be?  I have put a few suggestions below.

One, be prepared before the server.  Try to be mentally prepared to make your return even before you turn to face the server.  Too often players daydream until the server begins his motion.  That’s way too late.  The ball may be upon you before you even get ready.  By the time the server begins his service motion you should be quite prepared to make your return both mentally and in your ready position.

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Two, make a split step.  This can make a huge difference in the consistency and quality of your return and it is something that you can make sure to remind yourself of in the first step above. 

Three, keep your swing shorter or in front of you.  You can use the server’s power to send the ball back, making a swing that is as much a block as a swing. 

 

Four, move forward to the ball.  Don’t let the serve force you to lean backward or retreat.  If necessary start back one or two steps and then move forward to the ball.

Move in on weak second serves.  Do this in one of two ways, either step up conspicuously so that the server sees you up close and see if they can handle the pressure, or wait in your normal spot and start to move in as the server hits the ball so that you’ll have some forward momentum at the moment you strike the ball.

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Last but not least make sure that you do the most important thing in tennis on your return which is to watch the ball all the way to your frame without looking up until you see the ball disappear from your racquet.

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There are two ways to think of your return game.  One is to hit out for big returns and hope that in one game you string a few together in order to break.  The thinking is that there isn’t a lot to lose as the server has the advantage anyway.  The second way is to try and return as many serves as possible and try to create consistent pressure for your opponent to make shots with the thought that their concentration will break at some point and you will be able to break their serve.  If you can do either of these things well enough to break serve once in every set you will win quite a few matches.     

 

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