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The return: playing the serve back safely

With the return you take the attack away from the serving pair. Low to the feet or high as a Lob: here is how to use it right.

Shots from the backBeginner

By Yves Richel ·

On the return, the serving pair is straight at the net and you are at the back. Your goal is to play the ball back so your opponent does not get an easy Volley: low to the feet of the player running to the net, or as a Lob over them.

How to play the return

  1. 1Stand about a metre in front of the back wall, slightly towards the side of your service box.
  2. 2Read the serve and decide early whether to play before or after the wall.
  3. 3Short backswing, contact to the side and in front of your body.
  4. 4Play low and rather slow to the feet of the server coming in, or into the middle.

The two safe directions

The low ball into the middle forces your opponents into a low Volley. Whoever has to play the ball from below can hardly build pressure.

The Lob over the net player is the second option. It buys you time and maybe even the net position.

AB
Serve to A, A plays the return low into the middle to the opponents’ feet.Your pairOpponentsBallMovementBounce

Common mistakes

  • Hitting the return hard over the net: the net player volleys it away easily.
  • Standing too close to the back wall: no room for the rebound.
  • Playing the ball to the net player who is already in position.

Drill: Return into the zone

  1. Mark a zone in front of the net in the middle of the opponents’ half.
  2. Your partner serves, and you return low into the zone.
  3. After 10 returns you swap. Who hits the zone more often?

Frequently asked questions

Should I play the serve before or after the wall?

Beginners are better off letting the ball hit the wall, which gives more time. Advanced players also take it early, before the wall.

When do I play a Lob as a return?

When the server comes forward fast and stands high at the net, the Lob is a good choice.

Still have a question about technique? Pal, our AI assistant at the bottom right, answers from these pages.