Return of Serve

Links to videos go here.

RETURN FUNDAMENTALS

Step Up and Split
To start your return of serve you need to step up and hit your split step. Timing this first step is very important. The key is to be in the air — in the process of hitting your split step — at the instant your opponent makes contact with the tennis ball.

Close on the Ball / Racket Back
Having hit your split step, the second part of the return of serve is to close on the tennis ball and take your racket back. It’s important that you shorten your backswing when you take the tennis racket back because you have less time to prepare when returning a serve. A good example of someone to copy is Andre Agassi.

Step Across and Hit the Tennis Ball
Now that you have your tennis racket back you’re ready to hit the tennis ball. However, there is some additional footwork involved as you swing. As we alluded to in the introduction to this video series, this is one of the elements that makes the tennis return of serve unique. As you will see, you will be hitting many returns with a closed stance.

Return of Serve Summary
This video summarizes the tennis return of serve from start to finish.

Backhand Return of Serve
The technique for a backhand return of serve in tennis is virtually the same as it is for a forehand. This video demonstrates how the backhand and forehand returns share many similarities.

RETURN ADVANCED

Return Footwork Variation
The technique for returning serve we outlined in the several videos in this series is one of several ways you can approach the return. This video looks at another way of returning the tennis ball — a technique that is relatively common on the pro tour.

Moving Up on a Second Serve
Generally, you want to stand closer in when returning a second serve in tennis. This allows you to be more aggressive and, hopefully, take control of the point. It also can make it easier to deal with the increased amount of spin most good players put on the tennis ball when hitting a second serve.

Come inside and play like you have an unfair advantage.

GlobalTennisForum.com

Thanks for the tips. I would like to add that if a serve is very powerfull you should try and block it back instead of hitting it. Of course all of the above stand before the impact.
Tennis Forum
Tennis Matches

davesause

i want to know if it is ok to practice your return of serve during warmup

vineetadawar

how to slice a serve videos i want to see

vineetadawar

nice videos i want to become a fan nice!

toronoi

The strongest of the game come from the best return.

Justin Kennedy

What grip should be used, for both hands, in the ready position (before the server makes contact) ? Some people recommend a continental with the left hand at mid frame, to be prepared to block back a hard serve or if time permits switch to semi-western on forehand or slide down left hand for the topspin backhand.

I have seen some pros put both hands on the grip in semi-western as well. Please advice. Thanks for the wonderful videos.

Jason

have any suggestions on 'return of serve' drills?

Jaewon

The best drill for the return is actually returning the serve of a big server. There's really nothing else to do that can help your return a lot. You can maybe try shots with a shortened backswing but returning someone's serve is really the best drill IMO.